Los Angeles County Publishes Renewable Energy Ordinance Update Technical Study

Los Angeles County has published the Renewable Energy Ordinance (REO) Update Technical Study, completing a 14‑month effort to support long‑term renewable energy planning in unincorporated areas of the County. The Technical Study was prepared by Aspen Environmental Group for the Los Angeles County Department of Regional Planning.

The study provides a comprehensive foundation to inform updates to the County’s Renewable Energy Ordinance, evaluating current conditions, market trends, policy context, and best practices for renewable energy development. The analysis focuses on solar and wind energy, battery energy storage systems (BESS), and emerging technologies such as green hydrogen, while carefully considering environmental constraints, public safety, and community compatibility.

Drawing on Aspen’s experience conducting similar county‑level renewable energy planning efforts across California, including work for San Bernardino, San Luis Obispo, Inyo, and Imperial Counties, the Technical Study incorporates lessons learned from across the state and applies them to the unique planning context of Los Angeles County.

The REO Update Technical Study evaluates costs and benefits of developing new renewable energy and energy storage projects and provides recommendations on the technologies and regulatory strategies that best support Los Angeles County’s goal of transitioning to 100 percent renewable energy procurement.

With the Technical Study now published, preparation of the Program Environmental Impact Report (PEIR) for the REO Update will begin. The full Renewable Energy Ordinance Update Technical Study, along with related materials, is available here - Los Angeles County Department of Regional Planning website.