THE BATTLE FOR RURAL SOVEREIGNTY
Big Energy's Legal Assault on Local Communities
A disturbing trend is emerging across rural America as energy corporations wage legal warfare against local communities resisting renewable energy developments. At least nine lawsuits have been filed by multinational corporations against rural townships in the past three years, including actions by Shell's subsidiary #Savion.
NUMBERS YELL THE STORY
The resistance is widespread and growing. The Renewable Rejection Database has documented 764 rejections or restrictions of wind and solar projects since 2015. In 2023 alone, there were 73% more local restrictions and 111% more state-level restrictions compared to 2022.
FOLLOWING THE MONEY
The motivation behind this corporate aggression is clear: $421 billion in federal tax credits available between 2025 and 2034. The investment tax credit (ITC) and production tax credit (PTC) have become the most expensive energy-related provisions in the federal #tax code, with costs increasing 21-fold since 2015.
THE SOVREIGNTY BATTLE
#Michigan exemplifies the escalating conflict, where about 80 townships and counties are suing the state's Public Service Commission over permitting reform that would strip local control. Similar battles are unfolding across the country as states like #California, #Connecticut, #Illinois, and #NewYork implement laws to override local opposition.
THE RURAL RESISTANCE
The pushback isn't merely NIMBYism (an expression I learned tonight referring to opposition by residents to proposed developments in their local area, even if they support similar developments elsewhere.). Rural communities are fighting for their right to self-determination. In #Harpswell, Maine, a heavily Democratic electorate rejected a solar project by 63% to 37%. In Michigan's #Decatur Township, 80% of voters opposed #Shell 's solar ordinance before the company sued.
GLOBAL IMPLICATIONS
This pattern extends beyond America. A new database tracking "just transition litigation" has documented 60 lawsuits worldwide by #Indigenous Peoples and communities against renewable energy projects that violate #humanrights . The conflict represents a growing global tension between centralized energy planning and local #sovereignty.
THE PATH FORWARD
As this legal battleground intensifies, the fundamental question emerges: Who truly controls #America ‘s #energy future? The answer may lie not in courtrooms or corporate boardrooms, but in the growing movement of communities asserting their right to choose their own energy destiny. The coming years will determine whether local democracy can withstand the pressure of corporate interests backed by federal billions.
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THE BATTLE FOR RURAL SOVEREIGNTY
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