A bill proposed in Congress, called the Public Land Renewable Energy Development Act, would help balance the impacts of wind and solar energy projects on public lands by reinvesting in key conservation programs and local communities.

Any new development - including renewable energy - will impact the environment. It is important to address these impacts to human and natural communities. Projects built in the wrong place or in the wrong way can result in the loss of popular hunting or fishing spots and the related economic and employment benefits.

The Public Lands and Renewable Energy Development Act could provide a pathway for leasing public lands for wind and solar projects that ensures affected local communities and wildlife resources are compensated for this renewable energy development.

If enacted, this bill would enable the U.S. Interior Department to direct money already collected from wind and solar companies to states, counties and important land and wildlife conservation programs to offset energy development impacts. For example, counties with excellent wind and solar energy potential could benefit from this consistent revenue stream. And a Fish and Wildlife Conservation Fund supported by these funds would help sustain wildlife and recreational uses of public lands for future generations.