BLM Extends Public Comment Period for Solar/Wind Competitive Leasing Proposed Rule and Announces Webinar
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The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) has extended the comment period for the proposed rule that would promote the use of "designated leasing areas" that include the Bureau of Land Management's Solar Energy Zones. The proposed rule would establish competitive processes, terms, and conditions (including rental and bonding requirements) for solar and wind energy development right-of-ways both inside and outside the designated leasing areas, and would provide incentives for leases in designated leasing areas. The proposed rule also includes some minor provisions regarding electric transmission and pipeline rights-of-way.The proposed rule was initially published on September 30, 2014 with a 60-day comment period closing on December 1, 2014. The BLM is extending the comment period for 15 days beyond the end of the initial comment period. As a result of this extension, the comment period will close on December 16, 2014.The BLM will host a webinar for interested parties on Wednesday, December 3, from 1:00 to 2:30 p.m. EST to discuss the competitive leasing proposed rule and answer any questions. The dial-in number for the webinar is: 1-888-324-4391; Passcode 7595414. The address for the webinar is: http://anl.adobeconnect.com/blmleasing/. For more information regarding the webinar, please contact Jayme Lopez by telephone at 202-912-7547, or by email at j06lopez@blm.gov.
The BLM manages more than 245 million acres of public land located primarily in 12 western states, including Alaska, on behalf of the American people. The BLM also administers 700 million acres of sub-surface mineral estate throughout the nation. Our mission is to sustain the health, diversity, and productivity of America’s public lands for the use and enjoyment of present and future generations.