The resistance is real.

Grassroots resistance to the Biden administration’s ambitious push for a “zero-carbon” economy is coalescing in varied new state laws and local ordinances that threaten to bog down solar and wind development in a multi-front legal and regulatory war on a scale not seen before. 

Until recently and with few exceptions, squabbles pitted loosely organized local residents against renewable developers, with an average of two major projects a month facing protests and legal action in mostly rural areas, according to a database of renewable rejections compiled by Robert Bryce, a former fellow at the conservative Manhattan Institute. 

Though regulations and statutes regarding renewable energy edifices vary widely from state-to-state, overall this is good news. Best of all, some opponents (like farmers) are using the arguments environmentalists have used in opposition to fossil fuel-related projects against renewable energy solar and wind farms.

According to RCI, Farmland is usually targeted due to its large acreage and being flat making construction for renewable sources much easier. Consequently, if the farmlands are taken, that means less resources to cultivate crops available for food consumption.

However, the rebellions are so successful, RCI reports, that some academics and politicos are now arguing for federal intervention to push the projects through. Even some states have taken it upon themselves to support renewable energy farms over local concerns.

RCI reveals that even Indiana Republicans supported grants to aid in their construction, while Michigan Governor Gretchen Witmer ordered a law protecting farmland amended to allow the placement of solar panels four years ago. Fortunately, RCI says the Indiana subsidies were sacked while Wolverine State farmers are trying to get a ballot initiative in place to protect their agricultural properties.

This goes to show resistance to policies, like renewable energy projects, can pay off. All it takes is for the opposition to be determined and uncompromising in their quest.