Local Resistance Constrains Renewable Projects | Climate

Last Update: 09/22/2026 at 11:33 PM EST

Coverage from The Well News, Sabin Center for Climate Change Law, and others

State and local restrictions, organized opposition, and contested claims are creating barriers for renewable energy projects across the United States.

Reports through the end of 2025 identified hundreds of siting measures and opposition groups affecting wind, solar, battery storage, and transmission projects, with some projects delayed, modified, or canceled. The evidence documents a significant permitting challenge, although the extent to which opposition directly caused cancellations remains uncertain.

Looking Back

2 Day Timeline

Articles published over time. Hover any bar for the period and its article count.

Sep 2

Sep 3

All Articles3 articles

Interesting1 article · CI Score 45–59

The Well News / Dan McCue

Study Maps 563 Groups Opposing U.S. Renewable Energy Projects

Michigan State University researchers identified 563 organized opposition groups affecting 448 renewable energy projects across the United States through December 2025.

9/2/2026 • Clean Energy & Emissions • General

Additional2 articles · CI Score below 45

Sabin Center for Climate Change Law

Reports Document U.S. Renewable Energy Restrictions And Misinformation

The Sabin Center for Climate Change Law reported in 2025 that state and local restrictions and opposition had impeded renewable energy projects across 48 United States states.

9/3/2026 • Policy, Politics & Governance • General

Climate Law Blog / Ivonne Norman, Andrew Kieffer and Romany Webb

Local Opposition And Misinformation Threaten U.S. Renewable Projects

The Sabin Center reported in 2025 that 888 U.S. state and local renewable energy siting restrictions and 567 opposed projects were hindering wind, solar, storage, and transmission development across 48 states.

9/3/2026 • Policy, Politics & Governance • General