The U.S. Department of Energy has announced its intention to fund a $1.9 million project led by the UGA Institute of Government to improve planning, siting and permitting processes for large-scale renewable energy facilities. The Renewable Energy Siting through Technical Engagement and Planning (R-STEP) grants aim to support development of initiatives to support communities in evaluating and planning for large-scale renewable energy and energy storage projects. The UGA-led project includes partners Georgia Wildlife Federation and the Georgia Environmental Finance Authority and will assist local governments in Georgia with making informed decisions about solar energy siting.