June 17, 2024

KAOH Media Insights

What you need to know for June 17, 2025:

Cleanview, Map of Red America’s Green Energy Boom

National News: Red States Have the Most to Lose When Renewables Are Slashed

According to Cleanview’s project tracker, 80% of planned renewable energy projects in the United States are in Republican-majority districts. Despite this, Republican-backed bills to cut clean energy spending would likely have significant economic impact for conservative communities.

KAOH’s Takeaways:

While renewable energy’s climate benefits are important, many rural and conservative communities will respond best to factual claims about their economic impact.

Northwest Iowa Now, Landowners try to block wind farm.

Local News: Landowners Seek to Block Wind Farm Construction through Litigation  

A large proposed wind farm in Dickinson County, Iowa, recently received permits from the Dickinson County Board of Adjustment. Local landowners and the advocacy group “Dickinson County Concerned Citizens” have joined forces to oppose the project. They’re challenging the permit and gearing up for further legal action, engaging legal counsel from Des Moines (attorneys David Fautsch and Elisabeth Tursi) and filed a motion in Dickinson County court to block construction. Despite the Board’s approval, the landowners vow to keep fighting and aim to halt the wind farm through continued litigation.

KAOH’s Takeaways:

Opponents are not giving up the fight at the permit stage when a project is approved.  There’s an uptick in litigation by opponents and citizen groups seeking litigation in an attempt to halt construction. Monitoring opposition activity and having a strong community presence is essential after a project is permitted.

Belleville News-Democrat, Jesse Berger and Natalie Wilson have launched a campaign to stop clear-cutting woodland behind Mount Hope Cemetery in to make way for a solar farm.

Local News: Planned Community Solar Farm Draws Ire From Graveyard Preservationists

Nearly a year after Belleville, Illinois, agreed to lease 25 acres behind Mount Hope Cemetery for a solar farm, residents are pushing back with a petition to stop the project. Opponents like Natalie Wilson and Jesse Berger argue the plan would destroy green space and disrupt the cemetery’s peaceful environment, especially since access to the site runs through cemetery grounds. The city stands to earn about $69,000 annually from the lease with Belleville Solar LLC, owned by SHINE, which has promised to minimize disruption and repair any damage. However, Mayor Jenny Meyer acknowledged that canceling the deal could bring legal and financial consequences.

KAOH’s Takeaways:

Siting renewable energy projects takes care, not only to preserve ecological resources but also cultural sites.  

Wisconsin Public Radio, We Energies’ Paris Solar Battery Park in Wisconsin.

State News: Solar farm makes history in Wisconsin

Wisconsin’s first large-scale battery storage system is now operational at the Paris Solar-Battery Park in Kenosha County. The facility includes 110MW of battery storage, enough to power over 130,000 homes for four hours, and complements the site's 200MW of solar generation that came online in December. While the project enhances grid reliability and supports clean energy goals, it exceeded its original $400 million budget by over $100 million due to pandemic-related inflation and supply chain delays. Utility regulators are now investigating cost overruns in such projects, with concerns raised about how much of the burden should fall on customers.  

KAOH’s Takeaways:

Utility-based green energy or storage initiatives can sometimes increase customers’ rates, which can be misconstrued as evidence that green energy is overly costly.

City of San Juan Capistrano, Proposed layout of Compass Energy Storage’s planned BESS project in San Juan Capistrano.

Local News: BESS proposal in California sparks wildfire concerns

A proposed battery energy storage facility in San Juan Capistrano, California, has sparked significant public opposition due to wildfire and safety concerns. The facility, planned by Compass Energy Storage, would use lithium-iron-phosphate batteries on land near homes, schools, and high fire-risk zones, prompting criticism from local officials and residents during a lengthy California Energy Commission meeting. While proponents argue the project supports clean energy goals and includes safety measures, critics—including mayors and state representatives—cite past battery fires and the site's geological instability as major risks. The commission is conducting further assessments, including an environmental impact report, and has scheduled additional public meetings before making a final decision. The debate highlights the tension between advancing renewable energy infrastructure and ensuring public safety in densely populated areas.

KAOH’s Takeaways:

Concerns about BESS fires have been amplified in the past year, and developing storage facilities in an area prone to wildfires will magnify these concerns.

Solar Builder Magazine, Indiana’s Mammoth solar is the largest solar project in the region.

State News: Indiana’s solar industry surging forward

Nearly half of Indiana’s total solar capacity was installed just last year, largely driven by utility-scale projects. In early 2025, Indiana ranked third in the U.S. for new solar additions and also quadrupled its battery storage capacity, thanks in large part to AES Indiana’s 200 MW battery facility at the Petersburg Generating Station. These stand-alone batteries allow utilities to store energy—regardless of its source—and use or sell it when needed, improving efficiency across both renewable and fossil fuel plants. While AES plans to convert the Petersburg coal plant to natural gas, it also aims to expand solar and battery storage in the region next year.

Community Connections: 10th Annual KidWind Competition

The 10th KidWind Worlds was the largest yet, featuring 131 teams and nearly 500 students, with over half being first-time participants. Teams came from 26 U.S. states, Taiwan, and Mexico, bringing total attendance to over a thousand at this wind energy design competition. A standout feature was the SUPER shark tunnel, which added excitement and a few broken turbines, thanks to the efforts of Dick and Tom who transported it from Wisconsin. The revamped solar challenge impressed organizers, with students showcasing innovative solar and smart home solutions. International engagement was strong, with recognition from the premier of Taiwan and new partnerships like Enerhack in Estonia planning a European KidWind Challenge.

The event also celebrated student creativity through the Wind Energy Art contest and was filled with moments of fun, learning, and deep appreciation for the community’s commitment to a clean energy future.