Bureau of Land Management proposes fee cuts, streamlined renewable energy development on public lands
The Interior proposed an update Thursday of its renewable energy regulations to promote the development of solar and wind energy on public lands. The Bureau of Land Management’s (BLM) proposed “Renewable Energy Rule” would reduce fees for these projects by around 80%, facilitate development in priority areas by streamlining review of applications and deliver greater certainty for the private sector, the DOI stated in a press release.
“The Department of the Interior takes seriously our responsibility to manage the nation’s public lands responsibly and with an eye toward the increasing impacts of the climate crisis. The power and potential of the clean energy future is an undeniable and critical part of that work,” said Laura Daniel-Davis, principal deputy assistant secretary for land and minerals management. “Under President Biden and Secretary Haaland’s leadership, this Administration is taking an all-hands-on-deck approach toward ambitious clean energy goals that will support families, boost local economies, and help increase climate resilience in communities across the West.”
The BLM today also published updated information regarding its ongoing environmental review for solar energy development across 11 western states.
“Our public lands are playing a critical role in the clean energy transition,” said BLM Director Tracy Stone-Manning. “This proposed rule would allow the BLM to continue leading the way on renewable energy while furthering President Biden’s commitment to building a clean energy economy, tackling the climate crisis, promoting American energy security, and creating jobs in communities across the country.”
The BLM stated that these proposed actions complement President Joe Biden’s “Investing in America” agenda, which aims to bolster U.S. infrastructure and clean energy investments.