00;00;00;04 - 00;00;26;12
Thomas Ouellette
Land use rules across Indiana's 92 counties differ greatly, and the study looks at those that heavily restrict solar and wind projects. It fines for solar restrictions alone. Indiana counties lose out on over $80 million in economic activity every year. Economist Michael Hicks is the center's director. He says many of these restrictions come from misinformation of how solar panels or wind turbines will affect the farmland it's placed on.

00;00;26;13 - 00;00;32;15
Thomas Ouellette
But Hicks says it is one way to use what he calls an excess supply of farmland in the state.

00;00;32;18 - 00;00;46;25
Michael Hicks
In fact, nationwide over the past 75 years, we've tripled agricultural production while reducing the amount of land in use for agriculture by the equivalent of three for Indianas.

00;00;46;27 - 00;01;08;02
Thomas Ouellette
Hicks says most American corporations have committed to using a large amount of renewable energy over the next few decades. The study's conclusion says it's not aimed at convincing counties to invest in renewable energy. It does suggest county level officials should, quote, weigh these economic considerations when making regulations. I'm Thomas Ouellete.