News

US BLM Announces Public Land Wind Energy Policy

October 29, 2002 by Jeff Shepard

The US Bureau of Land Management (BLM, Washington, DC) has issued new guidelines to respond to growing interest in the commercial development of wind farms on public lands. The BLM has recently received 30 new applications for wind projects in Nevada, Idaho, New Mexico, California, Wyoming and Washington.

The new policy provides guidance on the timely processing of wind energy right-of-way applications and addresses BLM requirements for land use planning, environmental reviews, and authorization of wind energy projects, as well as land rental fees for such projects.

"Along with traditional sources of energy produced from the public lands, including coal, natural gas and oil, renewable resources such as wind energy can play a important role in meeting America's energy needs," stated BLM Director Kathleen Clarke.