Evergreen Action, Private Property Rights Institute unite to launch initiative defending landowners’ rights to site clean energy, other critical infrastructure
Today, the Private Property Rights Institute (PPRI) hosted a virtual press conference with Evergreen Action and Massachusetts State Representative John Gaskey to launch a new initiative defending landowners’ freedom to site critical infrastructure on their property. The event highlighted the findings from a new joint report released earlier in the day by PPRI and Evergreen Action, which shines a light on states like Pennsylvania and Michigan, where restrictive state and local siting rules and red tape are undermining private property rights and putting hundreds of critical infrastructure projects at risk.
You can watch a recording of the full event here or read key excerpts from speakers below.
State Representative John Gaskey, a Republican legislator in the Massachusetts House of Representatives representing one of the most rural parts of the Commonwealth, spoke about how restrictive siting policies affect his constituents—and why protecting private property rights is essential for rural communities to thrive. He also called for a comprehensive study in Massachusetts to assess the economic impact of restrictive siting rules on landowners and farmers, how these standards delay or block critical infrastructure projects, and the balance between legitimate community input and government overreach.
“Property owners across Massachusetts and the country are facing an alarming trend: local governments inserting themselves between landowners and the productive, responsible use of their property,” said Representative John Gaskey (R-MA). “This is about more than just red tape—it’s about protecting the fundamental right of individuals to make decisions about their own land. Whether it’s a family farmer leasing land for energy projects or a community expanding broadband, unnecessary restrictions are putting progress at risk.”
PPRI Executive Director Charlie Kolean underscored that property rights are the foundation of liberty and economic opportunity, warning that restrictive local siting rules are stripping landowners of the freedom to decide what happens on their own property. He pointed to farmers and rural families facing red tape and politically motivated restrictions that block everything from housing and broadband to energy projects. He also described the new report with Evergreen Action as just the beginning of a new initiative to defend property rights nationwide.
“Our mission is simple: to defend the right of landowners to decide what happens on their own property,” said Private Property Rights Executive Director Charlie Kolean. “Property rights are the foundation of every other freedom we enjoy in this country. If the government can tell you what you can or can’t do with your own land, then you don’t truly own it. The right to use, lease, build on, or conserve your property is central to liberty and economic opportunity. When property rights are threatened, freedom itself is on the line.”
Evergreen Action State Advocacy Director Courtney Brady shared findings from the joint report and explained why Evergreen partnered with PPRI to take on this project. She emphasized that restrictive siting rules are blocking clean energy projects, cutting off millions in potential income for farmers, and stalling opportunities to lower energy bills and create jobs. She also pointed to stories from farmers and township officials in Michigan and Pennsylvania who described how outdated restrictions threaten family farms and rural livelihoods. And she stressed that the findings underscored the urgent need for clear, consistent standards to reduce red tape and return decision-making power to landowners.
“At the end of the day, this is about more than just a policy fight. It’s about whether farmers can keep their land, rural towns can attract new investment, and neighbors can come together instead of being torn apart by politics or misinformation,” said Evergreen Action State Advocacy Director Courtney Brady. “If we get this right, we can unite, rather than divide, our neighbors, bring in new investment to our small towns, and ensure that rural communities are driving the next chapter of American energy prosperity—and thrive while doing it.”
View or download a recording of the full event here.
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