Optinfra provides links to project case studies on the challenges and opportunities of environmental permitting, stakeholder engagement, and benefit sharing during infrastructure project design and development.
We track the Federal Register and department NEPA registries along with leading industry news sources and project developer sites.
Key topics covered by Optinfra’s project insight page range from participatory design and stakeholder engagement techniques, to environmental impact assessment and the corresponding mitigation and management measures necessary for project approval and development.
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With parks, reservoirs, and 30-45 farms under agricultural easements at stake, how will PJM manage opposition from stakeholder groups regarding the proposed “Maryland Piedmont Reliability Project (MPRP) transmission line? Read more…
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Three groups that challenged the stalled Orsted Ocean Wind I and II projects take aim at the Atlantic Shores wind farm; new lawsuit alleges the project will impact coastal ecosystem. Read more…
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BOEM approves New England Wind 1 and 2, aka Commonwealth Wind and Park City Wind. Will the 15 year process of regional planning, leasing, site assessment, environmental assessment, and construction and operation planning be enough sufficient to actually develop the project? Read more…
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Land use and storm-water issues are at the center of debate over the Kansas Sky Energy Center solar project. Does a $17 million water pump stand in the way of the permitting process for the largest utility-scale solar project in Kansas? Read more…
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“It is most valuable in its undeveloped state.” Wisconsin town council votes to delay decision on rezoning for the Nemadji Trail gas-fired power plant amid controversy about the best use of the Nemadji River and buffer riparian area. Read more…
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A CO2 pipeline establishes a community benefits agreement and secures social license to repurpose an existing methane gas pipeline. Benefits of the Tallgrass/Trailblazer agreement include: $600k to first responders, $500k to nonprofits, and the choice of royalties or lump-sum payments for affected land owners. Read more…
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Three offshore wind projects, with a combined 4,000 MW+ capacity, fail to negotiate contracts with NYSERDA. Bigger turbines left the Attentive Energy One, Community Offshore Wind, and Excelsior Wind projects little room for negotiation amidst financial constraints. Read more…
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FERC’s final EIS recommends that the Goldendale Pumped Storage project should proceed. The ‘only’ problem? “The original occupants of the land don’t want it.” Read more…
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Despite “significant economic and environmental benefits,” National Grid pulled the plug on the Twin States Energy Project, as well as the proposed $260 million community benefit program. Political goodwill and the TFP weren’t enough for this low impact project. Read more…
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The Ohio Power Siting Board (OPSB) approved the 800-MW Oak Run Solar Project, but included 46 conditions ranging from setbacks, a $45 million decommissioning bond, and requirements to integrate 1,000 sheep and 2,000 crop acres in what would be the largest agrivoltaics project in the country. Read more…
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The environmental assessment and consultation process for the Sun Bear Solar Farm was aided by a 3D model covering the 775 square mile installation. Collaboration between the Carigou Group, RICK Engineering, and the Ute Mountain Ute Tribe bode well for this project. Read more…
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When transmission lines are built across power companies’ backyards: a ballot initiative cost NextEra and Avangrid a total of $70+ million to determine the will of the people? Read more…
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“This is going to cost you a fortune for not coming and getting a permit.” After a 13 year legal battle, court says Enel lacked a mineral permit and must remove 84 wind turbines on the Osage Nation’s land in Oklahoma. Read more…
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New Jersey learns from the loss of the Orsted wind project and awards improved contracts for two more. News about the Leading Light Wind and Attentive Energy Two wind projects. Read more…
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Despite benign environmental impacts and positive economic benefits, EDF and Omaha Public Power District find that delays and a lack of communication with local stakeholders can complicate solar power project development. The case of the K-Junction Solar Project. Read more…
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The Mountain Valley Pipeline is hoping for an act of… Congress? An article covering the Mtn View Pipeline and Fast-41. Read more…
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The challenge of aligning federal and state climate policy. The case of FERC’s approval of the Regional Energy Access Expansion Project. Read more…
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After 15 years in the making, the TransWest Express Transmission Project is now under construction. A project success, or a warning sign? Read more…
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Legacy impacts, politics, and the need for alternative energy sources: the case of CHPE, the longest underwater and underground high voltage transmission line in the US. Read more…
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Eight years in, and the Ten West Link Transmission Line project receives a permit and an applause. A Dept. of Interior project briefing. Read more…
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BLM approves the 465 MW Arica and Victory Pass solar projects. The projects are the first to be approved within the Desert Renewable Energy Conservation Plan (DRECP) area declared during the Obama Administration. Read more…
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The Battle Born Solar Project is looking for a new backyard. An example of the challenges of solar project site selection. Read more…
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A case study of who pays and who benefits from public infrastructure projects that increase property values. Read more…
More on Infrastructure Project Insight
Optinfra tracks the Federal Register and department NEPA registries so you don’t have to. We focus on projects in rapidly evolving industries such as renewable energy (wind, solar, carbon storage), electric transmission, and project subject to regulatory and permitting changes.
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