Inflation Reduction Act Layers: Empowering Developers with Unemployment Rate Insights and Updated Energy Community Datasets

In a significant stride toward a cleaner and more sustainable future, the Department of Energy (DOE) and the National Energy Technology Laboratory (NETL) have recently updated two crucial datasets: Coal Closures and Metropolitan Statistical Areas (MSAs)/non-MSAs. These datasets now serve as selectable layers within the AO Prospect platform, enabling solar developers to easily access and visualize this information on a map while searching for potential land for their solar farm development. Notably, the MSA/Non-MSA dataset now incorporates unemployment rates, providing developers with comprehensive insights into energy communities and their economic dynamics. This integration of data and technology represents a game-changing opportunity for developers, offering them invaluable insights to effectively target energy communities. Join us as we explore the profound impact of these datasets and witness how they are revolutionizing the solar development landscape, ushering in a new era of renewable energy and thriving energy communities.

Coal Closures

Additional census tracts have been added to the Coal Closures dataset, thus expanding target areas for developers.

MSA/non-MSA

Long awaited by many, unemployment rates are now incorporated into the MSA/non-MSA dataset. Previously, the map layer only showed potentially qualifying MSAs and non-MSAs.

The map layer now displays MSAs/non-MSAs that are energy communities for 2023. 

What does this include? 

These MSAs and non-MSAs have had:

1) for at least one year since 2009, 0.17% or greater direct employment related to extraction, processing, transport, or storage of coal, oil, or natural gas (the fossil fuel employment (FFE) threshold); 

AND

2) an unemployment rate for 2022 that is equal to or greater than the national average unemployment rate for 2022. 

How long can I rely on this data to target energy communities? 

MSAs and non-MSAs that meet the 2022 unemployment rate requirement are energy communities as of January 1, 2023, and will remain energy communities until unemployment rates for 2023 become available. 

At that time (likely May 2024), a new list of energy communities will be provided. 

Search “IRA” in the Layer Catalog to quickly locate these updated layers.