Biden Administration Embraces Renewable Potential of Public Lands

WASHINGTON D.C. (June 15, 2023) - Today, the Bureau of Land Management proposed a new wind and solar leasing rule and released preliminary draft alternatives for revising the Western Solar Program that, together, would incentivize and advance renewable energy development on public lands to help meet the nation’s climate and renewable energy goals. 

The Wilderness Society released the following statement in response: 

“We’re encouraged by these steps from the administration to ramp up renewable energy on public lands. Combined with the proposed Public Lands Rule and the conservation leasing tool that would enable mitigation and restoration to help support responsible renewable deployment on public lands, the Renewable Energy Rule and the Solar Programmatic review take strong and comprehensive steps toward making public lands part of the climate solution,” said Justin Meuse, Director of Government Relations at The Wilderness Society. “We look forward to working with the administration and other stakeholders, including wind and solar companies, on these actions to ensure every renewable project on public lands is smart from the start, guided by robust community and tribal input.”   

• The proposed wind solar leasing rule would codify much of last year’s guidance regarding rental rates, capacity fees, and bidding, and will provide for optional competitive offering within identified zones and designated leasing areas.  

• The preliminary draft alternatives for revising the Western Solar Program through a Programmatic Environmental Impact Statement would provide updated information to support identification of areas with a high potential for solar energy development, as well as expedite permit processing and improve permit management for development in priority areas. 

In the face of climate pressure, a rapid transition to a renewable energy economy is necessary and public lands have a huge role to play. As the Administration ramps up renewable energy projects on them to meet – and beat – the President’s laudable goal of permitting 25 GW on public lands by 2025, community voices, tribal consultation and conservation of wildlife, cultural resources, and critical habitats must be prioritized.  

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For more information, contact Emily Denny at edenny@tws.org