new federal renewable power initiative

The Department of Energy announced this week its Renewable Energy Siting through Technical Engagement and Planning (R-STEP) program. Funding will be available for things like identifying renewable energy siting and planning priorities; hiring and subcontracting to expand technical capacity and leverage experts in the region or state; developing state-specific resources that could improve siting practices and outcomes for local communities and the renewable energy industry, and  conducting trainings and workshops with local governments to improve technical understanding of renewable energy siting.