BLM Unveils Updated Western Solar Plan to Accelerate Clean Energy Development on Public Lands

Photo byBureau of Land Management - Nevada

In a significant push toward clean energy, the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) proposes an updated plan to streamline solar energy development across millions of acres of public lands in the western United States.

The Bureau of Land Management’s (BLM) proposed Western Solar Plan outlines a comprehensive framework to promote large-scale solar energy projects on public lands, balancing clean energy goals with environmental conservation. The plan is a key part of the Biden administration's effort to achieve a 100% clean electricity grid by 2035.

A New Roadmap for Solar Energy Development on Public Lands

The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) has unveiled a proposed plan to expand utility-scale solar energy development across 31 million acres of public lands in the western U.S. This marks a significant update to the original 2012 Western Solar Plan, reflecting technological advances and increased demand for renewable energy. The move comes as part of the Biden administration's ambitious climate agenda, aiming for a 100% clean electricity grid by 2035 while creating good-paying jobs and lowering energy costs for Americans.

The Final Utility-Scale Solar Energy Programmatic Environmental Impact Statement (PEIS) and Proposed Resource Management Plan Amendments aim to streamline the permitting process for solar projects, making it more efficient while also protecting sensitive environmental and cultural resources. This dual approach ensures responsible solar energy development, preventing conflicts between renewable energy goals and the protection of public lands.

Balancing Clean Energy and Environmental Stewardship

According to Dr. Steve Feldgus, Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary for Land and Minerals Management, the updated plan is about striking the right balance between advancing solar energy and safeguarding the environment. “Through extensive planning and collaboration, we’re not only protecting our public lands but also ensuring that permitting for solar projects moves faster and more efficiently, avoiding conflicts and striking the right balance as we advance clean energy and safeguard the environment,” Feldgus said.

The updated Western Solar Plan identifies areas close to existing transmission infrastructure and previously disturbed lands as prime candidates for solar development. This ensures that solar projects are steered away from protected lands, culturally sensitive areas, and critical wildlife habitats, thus reducing the environmental impact of energy infrastructure. The plan has been crafted with substantial public input, ensuring a broad range of perspectives are considered in its implementation.

Expanding Solar Development Across the West

One of the key changes in the updated plan is its geographic expansion. While the original 2012 Western Solar Plan covered six states, the new plan now includes five additional states: Idaho, Montana, Oregon, Washington, and Wyoming. This expanded scope is vital to meeting the rising demand for renewable energy in a region heavily dependent on public lands for large-scale projects.

By making over 31 million acres of public lands available for potential solar projects, the BLM aims to reduce the uncertainties that have slowed renewable energy development in the past. The agency’s goal is to direct solar developers toward "low-conflict" areas that are less likely to interfere with wildlife, cultural heritage sites, or other land uses.

BLM Director Tracy Stone-Manning emphasized the strategic importance of this update. "The updated Western Solar Plan is a responsible, pragmatic strategy for developing solar energy on our nation’s public lands that supports national clean energy goals and long-term national energy security,” she stated. Stone-Manning’s comments reflect the broader national and global implications of the plan, which aims to bolster the country’s energy independence while addressing climate change.

Progress Toward Clean Energy Goals

The updated Western Solar Plan builds on the momentum of the Biden administration’s Investing in America initiative. Earlier this year, the BLM surpassed its target of permitting more than 25 gigawatts of renewable energy projects on public lands—an important milestone in the nation’s transition to a cleaner, more sustainable energy grid. To date, the BLM has permitted renewable energy projects on public lands capable of producing nearly 29 gigawatts of power, enough to power more than 12 million homes.

These projects are part of a larger effort to reduce reliance on fossil fuels, address the climate crisis, and transition the country toward a clean energy economy. In total, the BLM has approved 40 renewable energy projects on public lands, including nine solar projects, 13 geothermal projects, and 18 gen-tie projects. The expanded solar plan aims to further this progress, allowing the agency to permit more projects quickly and responsibly.

Environmental and Economic Benefits

In addition to its environmental benefits, the plan also holds significant economic potential. Solar development on public lands is expected to create numerous union jobs and stimulate economic growth in rural communities across the western U.S. Lower energy costs for consumers are another anticipated benefit, as the expansion of solar power reduces reliance on more expensive and environmentally harmful energy sources.

To encourage developers, the BLM has introduced new rules to simplify project applications and lower the costs of solar and wind energy projects. The BLM's final Renewable Energy Rule, issued earlier this year, is intended to reduce the financial barriers to renewable energy projects on public lands, making it easier and more attractive for developers to invest in clean energy infrastructure.

A Forward-Thinking Energy Strategy

While the updated Western Solar Plan does not authorize any specific solar developments, each proposed project will still undergo site-specific environmental review and public comment periods, ensuring transparency and public accountability throughout the process. The planning effort’s focus on reducing conflicts and clarifying project design guidelines will give solar developers greater predictability as they plan and implement new projects.

As the BLM moves forward with its clean energy agenda, the proposed plan represents a significant step toward achieving long-term national energy security and addressing the climate crisis. The agency’s commitment to safeguarding public lands for the use and enjoyment of future generations, while promoting sustainable development, positions the Western Solar Plan as a model for responsible energy policy.

Your Turn - Like This, or Hate it?

Please offer an insightful and thoughtful comment. Idiotic, profane, or threatening comments are eliminated without remorse. Follow us to have other feature stories fill up your Newsbreak feed from ThumbWind Publications.