Bipartisan bill would help balance carbon footprint of public lands
Renewable energy development in the California Desert.
Tom Brewster
H.R. 3794 would advance the nation's clean energy and climate goals while protecting our natural and cultural heritage
Today, the House Natural Resources Subcommittee on Energy and Mineral Resources will hold a legislative hearing focused on the Public Land Renewable Energy Development Act, H.R. 3794, led by Reps. Mike Levin (R-CA) and Paul Gosar (R-AZ).
The recently introduced House bill would promote the responsible development of wind, solar, and geothermal resources on public lands by identifying priority areas and encouraging smart siting of projects in places with high energy potential and lower impact on wildlife and habitat. The bill would also provide economic benefits to states and counties, while reinvesting in local communities’ recreation and habitat conservation.
“This necessary bipartisan legislation would help balance the significant carbon footprint of public lands, boosting renewable energy's potential to power our homes and businesses without the dirty byproducts of fossil fuels,” said Alex Daue, assistant director for energy and climate at The Wilderness Society. “By helping ensure that renewables development is done in a responsible way, the bill will advance our clean energy and climate goals while protecting our natural and cultural heritage."
According to a new report released last week by The Wilderness Society, emissions resulting from federal oil and gas lease sales sold between January 2017 and April 2019 could produce 5.7 billion metric tons of carbon dioxide equivalent, more than the total greenhouse gas emissions stemming from all 28 member countries of the European Union for an entire year.
Notably, several Democratic candidates’ climate change plans call for either increasing renewable energy development on federal lands and waters, or increasing investment in renewable energy development.
More resources:
Tip Sheet: Public Land Renewable Energy Development Act of 2019
Your questions answered: Where should we develop renewable energy?
CONTACT:
Alex Thompson, The Wilderness Society, 202-429-3940, Alex_Thompson@tws.org
The Wilderness Society, founded in 1935, is the leading conservation organization working to protect wilderness and inspire Americans to care for our wild places. With more than one million members and supporters, The Wilderness Society has led the effort to permanently protect 111 million acres of wilderness and to ensure sound management of our shared national lands. www.wilderness.org
