Bureau of Land Management Seeks Feedback to Update Western Solar Plan

The BLM is seeking feedback on the expansion of its Western Solar Plan, specifically regarding:

1. Adding priority solar energy zones in the five additional states mentioned above
2. Requesting ideas for potential incentives to increase opportunities for renewable energy development in priority and variance areas
3. Modifying the variance process to improve efficiency
4. Adjusting criteria for development exclusion areas
5. Potentially redefining “utility scale” and other items in their notice

The BLM has already hosted a number of in-person open house scoping meetings. There are seven more opportunities for in-person attendance at these meetings, as well as a virtual option on February 13. More details can be found on the BLM ePlanning website.

If you are currently working on or considering development of utility-scale solar projects on BLM lands in any of these 11 states, contact your SWCA Project Manager or one of our experts below. We also encourage you to provide input and feedback to the BLM on its proposal to ensure that the updated Western Solar Plan meets your development and permitting needs. For details on the planning effort and how to comment or participate, visit the BLM website: https://eplanning.blm.gov/eplanning-ui/project/2022371/510