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Conclusion <br />Prior to this study, we knew little about the opportunity for solar development on Minnesota's Closed <br />Landfill Program sites. The technical assessment of the sites provides a conservative estimate of land <br />suitable for solar that could support nearly one gigawatt of power (950 MW). <br />Bond restrictions at half of these sites represent a significant barrier to development, which would need <br />to be resolved to achieve the high aims outlined in this report. Nonetheless, these sites represent a <br />significant economic opportunity distributed across the state that could increase access to clean energy, <br />bring underutilized land back onto the tax rolls, and spur job growth. <br />Facilitating large-scale solar developments across closed landfills will require expanded statutory <br />authority and funding for the CLP to specifically allow and fund proactive property reuse. Creation of a <br />Closed Landfill Beneficial Reuse Program will require continued interagency collaboration and research <br />to ensure that solar development is aligned with the State's environmental, equity, and economic goals. <br />Minnesota has been a leader in both renewable energy development and responsible management of <br />brownfields. With statutory changes and investment in staffing and bond retirement, Minnesota could <br />accelerate brightfield development — simultaneously improving brownfields and growing clean energy. <br />15 <br />