Land Use Planning Best Practices for Renewable Energy Development in Colorado

Student Researcher: Sara Kohles

Client: Colorado Department of Local Affairs and Colorado Energy Office
 
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Like many states in the U.S., Colorado is reshaping its energy market to transition away from fossil fuels and towards cleaner forms of renewable energy. Due to the magnitude of land needed for renewable energy production, the various types of renewable energy systems possible in Colorado, and the rapid development of renewable energy, good land use planning is essential to the energy transition. The purpose of this research and the best practices document is to help local governments take action toward Colorado’s renewable energy and GHG emissions goals. It is also an effort to highlight the hard work that is already happening across Colorado communities, especially in rural areas which are experiencing the most impact from renewable energy development. While there are many facets of renewable energy, this project focuses on the relationship between land use and renewable energy generation.