DEVELOPING CLEAN ENERGY ON PUBLIC LANDS
The BLM is currently processing dozens of utility-scale renewable energy applications and unlocking new opportunities for renewable energy through new large-scale bulk-electricity transmission.
Applications for wind and solar energy projects may be processed and authorized as rights-of-way under Title V of the Federal Land Policy and Management Act of 1976, as amended, and Title 43, Part 2800, of the Code of Federal Regulations. Wind and solar projects are authorized under right-of-way leases within designated leasing areas and are authorized under right-of-way grants in areas outside of designated leasing areas. Geothermal energy projects are processed under the Geothermal Steam Act, as amended, and Title 43, Part 3200, CFR, and are authorized under leases and permits.
LIST OF ACRONYMS USED ON THIS PAGE
| BLM | Bureau of Land Management |
| CFR | Code of Federal Regulations |
| DNA | Determination of NEPA Adequacy |
| DR | Decision Record |
| EA | Environmental Assessment |
| EIS | Environmental Impact Statement |
| MW | Megawatt |
| NOA | Notice of Availability |
| NOI | Notice of Intent |
| ROD | Record of Decision |
PROJECTS IN PROGRESS (Updated as of January 7, 2022)
This table represents projects currently undergoing the environmental review process pursuant to the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA). By clicking on the project name, you can visit its ePlanning webpage, where current updates and additional information are available.
The below tables represent 2 renewable energy projects in progress (1 solar, 1 wind, 0 geothermal, and 0 gen-tie) totaling up to 1,500 MW on 81,630 acres.
Solar Energy Projects
| State | Project Name | Potential Output (MW) | BLM Acres | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| CA | Oberon Solar | 500 | 5,630 |
NOI Published 3/18/21 EA Released 8/13/21 |
Wind Energy Projects
| State | Project Name | Potential Output (MW) | BLM Acres | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ID | Lava Ridge | >1,000 | 10,000-76,000 | NOI Published 8/20/21 |
PROJECTS APPROVED (Updated as of January 7, 2022)
The BLM has approved the following renewable energy projects so far in Fiscal Year 2022 (October 1, 2021 through September 30, 2022). This table represents projects with an approved Record of Decision or Decision Record. By clicking on the project name, you can visit its ePlanning page, where more information about these projects is available. Here is a list of renewable energy projects approved In Fiscal Year 2021 (October 1, 2020 through September 30, 2021).
The below tables represent 7 renewable energy projects approved so far in Fiscal Year 2022 (3 solar, 0 wind, 1 geothermal, and 3 gen-ties) totaling up to 1,785 MW on 7,054 acres.
Solar Energy Projects
| State | Project Name | Potential Output (MW) | BLM Acres | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| CA | Arica Solar Project | 265 | 2,000 |
EA Released 8/6/21 EA Completed 12/20/21 DR Executed 12/20/21 |
| CA | Victory Pass Solar Project | 200 | 1,800 |
EA Released 8/6/21 EA Completed 12/20/21 DR Executed 12/20/21 |
| NV | Luning II Solar | 70 | 400 |
EA Released 9/23/21 EA Completed 12/17/21 DR Executed 12/17/21 |
Geothermal Energy Projects
| State | Project Name | Potential Output (MW) | BLM Acres | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| NV | Dixie Meadows | 60 | 206 | EA Released 7/18/16
EA Released 1/21/21 EA Completed 11/23/21 DR Executed 11/23/21 |
Gen-Tie Energy Projects
| State | Project Name | Potential Output (MW) | BLM Acres | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| NM | San Juan Solar | 600 | 135 |
EA Completed 1/5/22 DR Executed 1/5/22 |
| NV | Grass Valley Solar | 340 | 2500 |
DNA Completed 10/20/21 DR Executed 10/20/21 |
| UT | Hornshadow Solar | 250 | 13 |
EA Released 9/29/21 EA Completed 12/7/21 DR Executed 12/7/21 |
The BLM priority Renewable Energy workload includes dozens of projects that are in the preliminary phases and can be accessed through public LR2000 reports.