The Mining the Sun report would help the United States meet its clean energy goals

Mining the Sun identifies state and federal incentives that have transformed brownfield renewable energy into an economically viable proposition. For example, the Inflation Reduction Act passed in 2022 includes a 10% tax credit for locating clean energy on brownfields and $250 billion to repurpose old coal and oil infrastructure for clean energy. The Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, passed in 2021, provides $500 million for large-scale wind and solar demonstration projects on former mine sites. Grant opportunities such as the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s Abandoned Mine Sites Program and Brownfields Program can further reduce construction costs on former industrial sites.

The report provides an in-depth analysis of the potential for clean energy development on brownfield sites in nine states: Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Nevada, North Dakota, Ohio, West Virginia, Wyoming and Virginia. Collectively, these states represent a spectrum of mine and brownfield conditions, including hard rock mines, coal mines, and former industrial zones and landfills. These state-level analyzes include the size and type of industrial land suitable for development, detailed state and federal policy recommendations, and best practices for engaging local communities.

“These states have a long history of serving the nation’s energy and industrial needs, whether it’s coal mines in Kentucky or oil fields in North Dakota,” Wheatley says. “Developing utility-scale renewable energy sources is a way to honor and continue this legacy by producing clean, reliable energy that protects our air and climate. It also allows communities to express their views on the benefits of the project. This could mean the potential for job creation, additional outdoor recreation opportunities or something else significant to the community.”