The Department of the Interior has finalized an updated Western Solar Plan aimed at facilitating solar energy development on public lands in the western United States. This initiative is designed to support the growth of a clean energy economy, reduce consumer energy costs, and create jobs while addressing environmental priorities.
Secretary Deb Haaland emphasized the administration's commitment: “Under the Biden-Harris administration, the Interior Department has moved at the pace needed to meet the moment and swiftly grow a robust and sustainable clean energy economy while protecting precious resources in America’s public lands."
Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary for Land and Minerals Management Dr. Steve Feldgus highlighted solar energy's role in modern power supply: “Solar energy is an affordable and fast-growing component of the nation’s modern power supply and is helping the United States build a strong and resilient clean energy economy.”
The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) oversees these efforts, having approved 45 renewable projects since January 2021, surpassing its target for permitting renewable capacity by 2025. The BLM has also issued a Renewable Energy Rule this year to streamline project processes.
The updated plan builds on previous efforts from 2012, now encompassing eleven states including Idaho, Montana, Oregon, Washington, and Wyoming. It aims to facilitate solar projects by identifying suitable areas while avoiding sensitive regions.
Over 31 million acres have been identified for potential utility-scale solar projects, though only about 700,000 acres are expected to be developed by 2045. Each proposed project will still undergo environmental review with opportunities for public input.
This decision follows several executive actions under the Biden-Harris administration to expedite federal permitting processes compared to previous administrations. The plan's approval comes after stakeholder feedback on drafts published earlier this year.
For further details on this initiative, visit the Federal Register Notice webpage or consult the National NEPA Project Register website.
