Interior broadens Western solar initiative to encompass five more states
The Biden Administration Expands Solar Development Plan for Public Lands in the West
The Biden administration is taking a significant step towards achieving President Joe Biden’s ambitious goal of a 100% emissions-free power grid by 2035. The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) has unveiled an updated solar development plan for public lands in the Western United States, building upon the 2012 Western Solar Plan initiated during the Obama era.
The original plan identified federal acres in six Western states with high potential for utility-scale solar power: Arizona, California, Colorado, Nevada, New Mexico, and Utah. Now, with the help of $4.3 million in funds from the Inflation Reduction Act, BLM has refined the existing areas and expanded the plan to include five additional states: Idaho, Montana, Oregon, Washington, and Wyoming.
BLM collaborated with the Department of Energy’s National Renewable Energy Laboratory to determine the amount of land required to meet President Biden’s clean energy goals. The analysis concluded that approximately 700,000 acres of public land would be necessary for solar development, a significant reduction from the initial estimate of 22 million public acres across 11 states. This adjustment allows for “maximum flexibility” as developers pursue solar projects.
“Our public lands are playing a critical role in the clean energy transition, and the progress the Bureau of Land Management is announcing today on several clean energy projects across the West represents our continued momentum in achieving those goals,”
said BLM Director Tracy Stone-Manning.
In addition to solar power, the Interior Department is also focusing on other large-scale renewable projects, including wind power and geothermal projects. These initiatives have the potential to contribute up to 37 gigawatts of renewable energy generation to Western power grids.
“The Interior Department’s work to responsibly and quickly develop renewable energy projects is crucial to achieving the Biden-Harris administration’s goal of a carbon pollution-free power sector by 2035 — and this updated solar roadmap will help us get there in more states and on more lands across the West,”
stated Interior’s acting deputy secretary, Laura Daniel-Davis.
The BLM has also outlined the next steps for several large-scale projects in Arizona, California, and Nevada, which could generate over 1,700 megawatts of solar power and provide approximately 1,300 megawatts of battery storage capacity. The draft proposal is open for public comment until mid-April, with a final plan expected to be published by the end of the year.
Read more from The Washington Examiner.
What factors were considered when identifying suitable areas for solar development on public lands in the Western United States?
With the Western Solar Energy Technology Office (WSETO) to identify suitable areas for solar development on public lands. The two agencies conducted extensive research, including Geographic Information System (GIS) analysis and stakeholder engagement, to determine the most advantageous locations for solar development.
The updated plan recognizes the importance of balancing renewable energy production with environmental considerations. It takes into account various factors such as land use compatibility, visual impact, and potential conflicts with wildlife habitats. By carefully selecting areas that minimize negative impacts, the administration aims to promote sustainable solar development while protecting natural resources.
In addition to expanding the geographic scope, the plan also introduces new guidelines to streamline the permitting process for solar projects on public lands. The updated guidelines include standardized procedures for project evaluation, public involvement, and lease terms. This streamlined approach is expected to accelerate the development of solar projects while maintaining transparency and accountability.
The Biden administration’s commitment to renewable energy is evident in the funding allocated towards solar development on public lands. The $4.3 million provided through the Inflation Reduction Act will fund the necessary studies, assessments, and planning efforts required for the successful implementation of the updated plan. This investment reflects the administration’s determination to overcome the challenges associated with transitioning to a clean energy economy.
By expanding solar development on public lands in the West, the Biden administration aims to create economic opportunities, promote job growth, and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. The plan is expected to attract private investments in the renewable energy sector, driving innovation and driving down the cost of solar energy. In addition, the development of solar projects on public lands will generate revenue for local communities through lease payments and royalties.
Furthermore, the expansion of solar development on public lands contributes to the overall diversification of the nation’s energy portfolio. Solar power provides a reliable and sustainable source of electricity, helping to reduce dependence on fossil fuels and enhance energy security. The increased deployment of solar energy will also contribute to the reduction of air pollution and mitigate the impacts of climate change.
As the world grapples with the urgent need to address climate change, the Biden administration’s expansion of solar development on public lands represents a significant step towards achieving a clean energy future. By leveraging the vast renewable energy potential of the Western United States, the administration is setting the stage for a sustainable and prosperous future. Through careful planning, collaboration, and investment, the vision of a 100% emissions-free power grid by 2035 can become a reality.
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