EPA is encouraging the development of renewable energy by identifying currently and formerly contaminated lands and mining sites that present opportunities for renewable energy development. These pages contain information and resources for developers, industry, and anyone interested in renewable energy development on formerly contaminated land and mining sites.

Renewable Energy On Contaminated Lands Resources:

• Renewable Energy Maps and Incentive Fact Sheets - Maps showing renewable energy development potential on EPA-tracked sites, as well as incentive sheets describing renewable energy development and contaminated lands redevelopment incentives in each state. The data used to create the renewable energy maps can be found in this Mapping Data Excel File (6.2MB). Developed in partnership with the National Renewable Energy Laboratory.
• Renewable Energy Interactive Map (KMZ, 899KB) - shows renewable energy maps and relevant site environmental information as a layer in Google Earth. You can also learn more about how to use the this tool.
  
  To use the Google Earth tool:
  • First, make sure you have Google Earth loaded onto your computer. You can download Google Earth for free online.
  • Second, open the Renewable Energy Interactive Map (KMZ, 899KB) to launch the Renewable Energy Maps and associated site information.
  • Third, make sure to check the box next to "RE_on_EPA_Tracked_Sites" in Google Earth's left navigation panel. Doing so will add a new layer of dots to the Google Earth map.
• Why Develop Renewable Energy on Contaminated Lands? - Describes the characteristics of contaminated lands that make them attractive locations for renewable energy projects.
• EPA OSWER Center for Program Analysis Data Guidelines for "Clean and Renewable Energy Generation Potential on EPA Tracked Sites" Maps (PDF) (4pp, 94KB, About PDF) - Outlines the renewable energy mapping methodology, data considerations, data sources and attributes, and contact information.

Tools and Guidance for Mine Site Redevelopment:

• Mine Scarred Lands (MSL) Initiative Tool Kit - The Mine-Scarred Lands (MSL) Initiative is an effort to improve coordination and collaboration among federal agencies on the cleanup and redevelopment of both hard rock and coal mine-scarred lands.
• Good Samaritan Initiative - The Good Samaritan Initiative is an EPA-wide initiative to accelerate restoration of watersheds and fisheries threatened by abandoned hard rock mine run-off by encouraging voluntary cleanups by parties that do not own the property and are not responsible for the property's environmental conditions.
• A Breath of Fresh Air for America's Abandoned Mine Lands: Alternative Energy Provides a Second Wind (PDF) (22pp, 1.25MB, About PDF) - This report provides information about the development of wind energy at former mining sites for communities, including local governments, residents, and organizations interested in creating renewable energy resources and new economic opportunities at these sites.

Liability Relief Resources:

• The Revitalization Handbook - "Revitalizing Contaminated Sites: Addressing Liability Concerns (The Revitalization Handbook)" addresses environmental cleanup liability risks associated with the revitalization of contaminated property or sites.
• Brownfields Liability Relief Act - This Act provides certain relief for small businesses from liability under the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act (CERCLA) of 1980, and to amend such Act to promote the cleanup and reuse of brownfields, to provide financial assistance for brownfields revitalization, to enhance State response programs, and for other purposes.

For further information regarding RE-Powering America's Land: Renewable Energy on Contaminated Lands and Mining Sites, please contact: cleanenergy@epa.gov.