Greetings solar enthusiasts! Today on my solar blog, I am delving into a hot topic, the Bureau of Land Management’s (BLM) proposed roadmap for solar energy development on public lands. This strategy is designed to expand solar projects on public lands and pave the way for a bright future for solar companies and solar panel distributions for homes across the country.
This roadmap is actually an updated version of the Western Solar Plan, which was first introduced in 2012. Initially focusing on solar development on public lands in Arizona, California, Colorado, Nevada, New Mexico, and Utah, the plan has now expanded to serve Idaho, Montana, Oregon, Washington, and Wyoming as well. This expansion brings the total area for potential solar development to over a staggering 31 million acres.
What particularly caught my eye is the innovative Solar Programmatic Environmental Impact Statement (PEIS). The PEIS is a great boon for the solar industry as it exhibits crucial improvements in the solar permitting process. Permitting has always been one of the biggest challenges for solar companies and the amended ‘Energy Permitting Reform Act of 2024’ is designed to address these bottlenecks, speeding up the deployment of more and more solar panels for homes.
Another exciting aspect of the proposed Western Solar Plan is its contribution towards the ambitious goal of achieving a 100% clean electricity grid by 2035. With the updated plan, more and more homes can get solar array installations reducing our dependency on non-renewable energy sources and working towards a better, cleaner future.
Close cooperation with stakeholders and prioritizing low-conflict areas showcase the resilience and potential of the solar industry. This not only boosts the interests of solar companies but also provides a springboard for the creation of a robust, clean energy economy.
Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA) also welcomed this new plan, stating it strikes a fine balance between conservation and clean energy deployment goals. However, SEIA also appealed for a leveled playing field for renewables, rehabilitating fossil fuel-driven areas for solar use.
One of the main principles behind the BLM’s plan is to encourage development near transmission lines or previously disturbed lands while maintaining the sanctity of protected lands and avoiding sensitive ecological zones. This approach safeguards biodiversity while ensuring that homeowners can get solar panels for their homes.
While progress is still under way, the future of solar energy looks very promising. In fact, the BLM notes that the Biden-Harris administration has green-lighted 40 renewable energy projects on public lands so far. Nine of these are solar, with a total capacity of approximately 29 GW of power – enough to brighten up over 12 million homes!
The opportunities for solar development are immense, and the potential benefits for consumers — such as lower energy costs and improved project application processes — are truly exciting. These ventures are sure to help many homeowners considering a solar array for their homes, actively participating in the transition to a clean-energy economy.
All told, it’s an exciting time to be part of the solar industry. I’m genuinely looking forward to watching these conditions foster solar companies all across the country and will be sure to keep you all updated on the latest news and developments. Stay tuned as this new chapter in solar history unfolds!
Original Articlehttps://pv-magazine-usa.com/2024/09/03/blm-releases-plan-to-develop-solar-on-31-million-acres-of-western-land/
