UW Extension includes Vernon County in federal renewable‑energy siting grant to support local engagement

Vernon County will be one of several Wisconsin locations participating in a state Department of Energy grant program to support community engagement and technical planning for renewable‑energy projects, Extension staff told the committee Jan. 8.

Program overview: Hannah (UW Extension) explained the Renewable Energy Siting and Engagement for Tomorrow (RESET/ RSET) program, part of a $1,000,000 statewide award, will fund public input sessions, stakeholder engagement and education about wind, solar and other clean-energy siting issues. The grant will not fund construction; it supports planning, legal and technical assistance and community outreach.

Scope and local activities: Extension plans to convene meetings across Vernon County (and potentially neighboring Richland County) to address residents’ questions about property rights, contracting with developers, agrivoltaic options (grazing or specialty crops beneath panels), and long‑term operations, including end‑of‑life disposal of panels. Extension will connect local officials to statewide specialists and case studies and can provide templates, legal primers and community outreach materials.

Why it matters: Committee members noted developers are actively approaching landowners and communities about large-scale solar and wind projects, and the program’s planning work could help local governments and farmers negotiate better terms, anticipate legal questions and consider dual‑use models that preserve agricultural activity alongside renewable generation.

Next steps: Extension will schedule community engagement meetings; staff said the grant covers the program’s costs and that Vernon County’s role will be to host sessions and help publicize events. Extension will coordinate with county officials to identify stakeholders and meeting logistics.