U.S. Secretary of the Interior Doug Burgum has signed a new Secretary’s Order that aims to change how energy projects are permitted on federal lands. The order focuses on prioritizing projects that generate more energy while using less land and having a smaller environmental impact.
The Department of the Interior will now take into account the capacity density of proposed energy projects when evaluating their potential benefits and impacts on the environment and wildlife. According to the order, only those projects deemed most suitable for federal land use will be permitted.
“Gargantuan, unreliable, intermittent energy projects hold America back from achieving U.S. Energy Dominance while weighing heavily on the American taxpayer and environment,” said Secretary of the Interior Doug Burgum. “By considering energy generation optimization, the Department will be able to better manage our federal lands, minimize environmental impact, and maximize energy development to further President Donald Trump’s energy goals. This commonsense order ensures our nation is stronger, our land use is optimized, and the American people are properly informed.”
The Department must consider reasonable alternatives for proposed projects under current law and make careful decisions about land use both onshore and offshore. The order questions whether wind and solar projects are appropriate uses of federal lands due to their larger land requirements compared to other sources such as nuclear or gas plants.
Data from the U.S. Energy Information Administration indicates that an advanced nuclear plant can produce 33.17 megawatts per acre, while an offshore wind farm produces about 0.006 megawatts per acre—making nuclear plants significantly more efficient in terms of land use.
To implement this directive, the Department will review and revise regulations, guidance, policies, or practices as needed according to applicable laws.
