Tilting at Powerlines: Local control of large energy development

Much of the energy infrastructure that has already been built—and will need to be built—for the clean energy transformation is sited in rural places. Media stories have latched onto the phenomenon of rising “rural resistance” to clean energy infrastructure. Local leaders have options on how to respect community concerns while also assuring that landowners who want to use or lease their land for energy development have the right to use their own land as they choose.

In this briefing:

➡️ We’ll dig into local landowner benefits/costs associated with clean energy development
➡️ Discuss how local and state policy choices shape these impacts
➡️ Explore some policy options that may offer a more fruitful and fair pathway for siting clean energy in rural places.

Local leaders and their counsel have good options to get ahead of the issue and address the concerns of their citizens while also preserving the individual property rights of landowners desiring to host projects on their land.

CURE is pleased to host Derrick Braaten, Owner of the Braaten Law Firm in North Dakota. Derrick’s Minnesota/North Dakota practice has always centered on providing legal services to family farmers and ranchers, and other private landowners. Derrick’s practice focuses on standing up for landowners and the land, whether it is forcing an energy developer to clean up a spill or protecting private property rights from government overreach. Derrick handles many matters in this area, ranging from negotiating pipeline easements and wind leases to complex multi-jurisdictional litigation against large oil and gas exploration and production companies.

Also presenting will be Sarah Mooradian, Director of Government Relations and Policy at CURE. Sarah practices before the Minnesota Public Utilities Commission and works with rural electric co-operatives to encourage better energy democracy that furthers resilient and environmentally sound energy buildout.

**CURE is applying for one hour of Minnesota CLE credit for this presentation – registration is required for CLE credit but the webinar is free to attend.**

*** ZOOM REGISTRATION IS REQUIRED: https://zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_1zuvLA6AS9Cy3G1Lyl67wQ ***