Wind and Solar Restrictions Are Driving Up Indiana Manufacturing Energy Costs in Restrictive Counties

A study by economist Michael Hicks and co-authors finds that Indiana counties restricting wind or solar development lose at least $800 million in annual economic activity, concentrated in manufacturing, information, and utility sectors. After accounting for gains in logistics and agriculture, the net loss comes to roughly $200 million per year and nearly 9,000 fewer jobs, mostly in rural manufacturing. The same counties are spending $40 to $60 million annually in tax abatements trying to compete for projects their restrictions made harder to land. The study also notes that companies with renewable energy goals now account for the majority of new expansions and establishments in manufacturing, logistics, and information industries. The question for operators in restrictive counties isn't whether to chase every renewable trend, it's whether your county's stance is already influencing where customers and workers choose to go.