Introduction
Today, we’re thrilled to sit down with Christopher Hailstone, a renowned expert in energy management and renewable energy with a deep focus on electricity delivery and grid reliability. With years of experience navigating the complexities of clean energy transitions, Christopher offers invaluable insights into the regulatory landscape for wind and solar projects, especially in the Southern United States. In this conversation, we dive into the challenges and opportunities for renewable energy in rural areas of Arkansas, Louisiana, and Mississippi, exploring local opposition, restrictive policies, economic impacts, and potential solutions for fostering sustainable growth.
Can you start by telling us about the mission of organizations like the Southern Renewable Energy Association and why there’s such a strong focus on rural areas in states like Arkansas, Louisiana, and Mississippi?
Absolutely. Organizations like the Southern Renewable Energy Association are dedicated to advancing clean energy across the South by working with policymakers, developers, and communities to create a supportive environment for renewables. The focus on rural areas in states like Arkansas, Louisiana, and Mississippi comes down to their immense potential. These regions have vast open spaces, strong wind resources, and abundant sunlight, making them ideal for wind and solar projects. Beyond that, rural communities can see transformative benefits—think new revenue streams for landowners, tax income for local schools and infrastructure, and job creation. The South has historically lagged in renewable adoption, so there’s a huge opportunity to build a foundation for sustainable economic growth here.
What do you think is driving the local pushback against renewable energy projects, especially when we see that about one in five U.S. counties now restrict or ban new wind and solar developments?
The pushback often stems from a mix of genuine concerns and misinformation at the local level. Many rural residents worry about changes to their landscapes, potential noise from wind turbines, or impacts on property values. There’s also a cultural element—some folks see renewables as an outside imposition rather than a community-driven opportunity. In the South, where fossil fuels have long dominated, there’s skepticism about the reliability and necessity of clean energy. I think a lack of trust plays a big role; if people don’t feel involved in the planning process or don’t understand the benefits, they’re more likely to resist. It’s less about outright rejection of renewables and more about uncertainty or fear of the unknown.
Let’s talk about specific regulations in Arkansas, like the Wind Energy Development Act. How are these kinds of laws affecting the progress of renewable projects in the state?
The Wind Energy Development Act in Arkansas is a double-edged sword. On paper, it acknowledges the value of wind power, but it imposes some of the strictest rules in the region, creating significant hurdles for developers. For instance, it sets rigid setback requirements and other restrictions that make it tough to site projects without running into legal or logistical issues. Add to that the moratoriums in five counties banning new wind and solar developments, and you’ve got a near standstill for many initiatives. I’ve seen promising projects delayed indefinitely because the regulatory environment is just too unpredictable or costly to navigate right now. It’s frustrating because the potential for economic boost in these areas is so clear, but the policies are holding things back.
Turning to Mississippi and Louisiana, with new rules like Senate Bill 2227 and HB 459, how are these changes shaping the renewable energy landscape in those states?
In Mississippi, Senate Bill 2227, which calls for studying turbine impacts, sounds neutral but often slows down momentum by adding layers of review that can feel unnecessary to developers. It creates uncertainty, and projects get stuck in a holding pattern. Louisiana’s HB 459, on the other hand, aims to update siting rules, which could be a step forward if it clarifies the process, but right now, it’s left some projects in limbo as everyone waits to see how it’s enforced. I’d say these are largely setbacks because they delay investment and make developers hesitant to commit. There are dozens of projects across both states that are on pause, waiting for clearer signals from local and state governments, and that hesitation costs jobs and revenue for communities that need it most.
Can you share more about projects like Cordelio’s Crossover Wind in Arkansas and AES’s Delta Wind in Mississippi, and what they represent for the region’s future?
These projects are beacons of hope for the South’s energy transition. Cordelio’s Crossover Wind in eastern Arkansas is still in development, but it promises to bring significant investment and jobs to a rural area that could use the economic lift. AES’s Delta Wind in Mississippi has been up and running for over a year now, and it’s a great example of what’s possible—hundreds of megawatts of clean power, lease payments to landowners, and new tax revenue for local services. Both projects show that renewables can coexist with rural life and bring tangible benefits. They’ve faced challenges, like navigating local opposition and regulatory hurdles, but their progress—through community engagement and persistence—demonstrates that with the right approach, these initiatives can transform the region’s energy and economic landscape.
You’ve highlighted the American Clean Power Association’s Model Wind Ordinance as a potential solution. Can you walk us through how this framework could help counties balance development and community concerns?
The Model Wind Ordinance is a practical, balanced approach that I think could be a game-changer for many Southern counties. It emphasizes voluntary participation, so landowners have a say in whether they want to host turbines, with clear setback rules that can be opted out of. It uses science-based standards for noise and shadow flicker to protect neighbors without resorting to outright bans. There are also safety measures, like FAA-verified turbine height and lighting rules, to address aviation concerns. Plus, it includes financial safeguards for decommissioning, ensuring turbines don’t become eyesores at the end of their life. Most importantly, it sets up clear, predictable permitting processes with public input, which builds trust and reduces conflict. If counties in Arkansas, Louisiana, and Mississippi adopted something like this, they’d attract investment while still protecting local interests.
Looking ahead, what’s your forecast for the future of renewable energy in the Southern United States over the next decade?
I’m cautiously optimistic about the next decade in the South. The potential is undeniable—there’s growing demand for clean energy, and federal incentives are making projects more financially viable. I think we’ll see more states and counties slowly come around as they witness the economic benefits of projects like Delta Wind. However, the pace of progress will hinge on overcoming local resistance and streamlining regulations. If we can get smart ordinances in place and prioritize community engagement, the South could become a renewable energy powerhouse, especially in rural areas. But if blanket bans and vague rules persist, we risk missing out on billions in investment and falling behind other regions. It’s really up to local leaders to seize this moment and shape a sustainable future.
