A recent Oregon Land Use Board of Appeals (LUBA) decision could significantly affect the siting of standalone battery energy storage systems (BESS) on exclusive farm use (EFU) land. In Remington BESS, LLC v. Marion County, LUBA reversed Marion County’s denial
Renewable + Law
The Climate Policy, Renewable Energy, & Sustainability Blog
The Renewable + Law blog, published by Stoel Rives LLP, focuses on legal developments and regulatory issues in the renewable energy sector. It covers topics such as solar and battery energy storage system (BESS) project development, interconnection processes, regional energy market reforms, land use and permitting challenges, and federal and state regulatory decisions impacting renewable energy projects. The blog also addresses legislative updates, court rulings on energy capacity definitions, and local ordinances affecting renewable infrastructure. It serves as a resource for understanding the intersection of energy law, policy, and project implementation within the evolving renewable energy landscape.
Latest from Renewable + Law
California Public Utilities Commission Proposed Decision Would Strengthen Tribal Consultation and Land Transfer Policies
By Seth Hilton & Elisa Rivas
Background
On August 13, 2026, Commissioner Darcie L. Houck issued a proposed decision (“PD”) in Rulemaking 22-02-002 that would revise two policies central to how the California Public Utilities Commission (“CPUC” or “Commission”) engages with California Native American Tribes (“Tribes”): the…
FCC Adds Foreign-Produced Power Inverters to Covered List: What the New Restrictions Mean
By Zack Taylor & Brian Nese
The FCC has added foreign-produced power inverters to its Covered List, immediately restricting new covered models from receiving the equipment authorization generally required for import, marketing, and sale in the United States.
The July 28, 2026, action is narrower and,…
U.S. Reportedly Drafting Restrictions on Foreign-Made Inverters: What Solar and Storage Buyers Should Know Now
By Brian Nese & Zack Taylor
The Federal Communications Commission is reportedly drafting restrictions on foreign-made inverters used in solar and battery energy storage projects, citing concerns that the equipment could be exploited to disrupt U.S. power supplies. No proposed rule has been released, and the…
Tribal Engagement Opportunities in Long-Term Transmission Planning
On April 9, 2026, the California Independent System Operator (CAISO) hosted a meeting on Tribal engagement in long-term transmission planning. The purpose of the meeting was to share information about transmission planning and development in California, engage Tribal community members and…
The California Court of Appeal Rules in Favor of the CPUC’s Net Billing Tariff
On March 9, 2026, the California Court of Appeal handed down a decision in favor of the California Public Utilities Commission’s (CPUC) Net Billing Tariff, which was adopted in 2022 as a successor to the then-current Net Energy Metering (NEM)…
“You May No Longer Be a QF”
April 20, 2026 Update: On April 20, 2026, the Qualifying Facility owners from Branch Street filed a petition in the D.C. Circuit asking the court to review FERC’s February 19, 2026 order.
On February 19, 2026, the Federal Energy Regulatory…
CPUC Signals Shift on Cost Recovery for Transmission-Level Interconnections
By Sam Wong, Seth Hilton & Lilly McKenna
As data centers and other large load customers seek to connect to California’s power grid, the California Public Utilities Commission (Commission) is rethinking how—and when—those customers should be refunded for costly transmission infrastructure upgrades.
Historically, distribution-level interconnection customers paid up…
CAISO Proposes Key Refinements to Interconnection Processes Ahead of Cluster 16
On October 13, 2025, the California Independent System Operator (CAISO) released its Draft Final Proposal for Interconnection Process Enhancements (IPE) 5.0—continuing its multi-year effort to modernize and streamline the interconnection process for new energy resources. The proposed reforms build on…
California Legislature Approves Pathways Bill Moving Western Regionalization Forward
Update: Governor Newsom signed the Pathways Bill into law on September 19, 2025.
On September 13, 2025, Assembly Bill (AB) 825, titled the Independent System Operator: Independent Regional Organization Act, passed the California state Senate on a 34-0 vote, and a…