(U.S. SENATE) - With wide-ranging support from
sportsmen to local governments, Senators Jon Tester
(D-Mont.) and Dean Heller (R-Nev.) are introducing a
bipartisan bill that streamlines permitting for
renewable energy projects on public lands.
The Public Lands Renewable Energy Development Act
will create a leasing pilot project to develop a
straightforward development process that treats
renewable energy similar to traditional sources of
energy development like oil and gas.
The Senators' bill also ensures that funds generated by
energy development benefits states, counties, and
various conservation efforts.
Joining Tester and Heller in sponsoring the bill are
Senators Max Baucus (D-Mont.), Michael Bennet (D-Colo.),
Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.), Jim Risch (R-Idaho), Mark
Udall (D-Colo.), and Tom Udall (D-N.M.).
In introducing the bill, Tester said that Montana's
potential for renewable energy can make the Treasure
State a worldwide leader in energy production and create
countless jobs.
"With some of the best renewable energy development
sites located on public lands, it's vital to expand this
industry while protecting the natural resources that
make the west famous," Tester said. "Our bill is a
common-sense way to create jobs and provide renewable
energy the same opportunities as oil and gas while
increasing our energy security."
"Considering more than 87 percent of Nevada's land is
federally-owned, streamlining the permitting process for
renewable energy on public lands is a win-win
situation," Heller said. "This legislation will promote
the development of renewable energy on public lands,
while protecting native wildlife habitat and investing
in our state and counties.
"When it comes to energy: Montana has it all," Baucus
said. "This bill is about working together to make sure
Montanans can use every tool available to support jobs
while maximizing homegrown energy."
Currently, obtaining Bureau of Land Management permits
for solar and wind projects on public lands can take
more than two years - without any rights to the land
until after all the environmental assessments are
completed and full permit approval. The bill will reduce
the number of steps required by law and make it easier
for companies to make long-term plans.
The changes will also increase local governments'
revenue and certainty by establishing a more predictable
and direct royalty system from renewables that will
support conservation and federal land access projects.
The Public Lands Renewable Energy Development Act
is supported by a broad collection of organizations,
including Taxpayers for Common Sense, the National
Association of Counties, The Western Governors
Association, and the Theodore Roosevelt Conservation
Partnership.
Renewable Energy on Public Lands by
danmalessa
http://www.tester.senate.gov/?p=press_release&id=2769