Image shows wind turbines creating energy by actively spinning in front of a background of rocky mountain under a cloudy sky.

Wind Energy

The BLM has proposed updates to renewable energy regulations. Learn more about the Renewable Energy Rule, the BLM is working towards a final rule which should be complete in 2024.

Wind turbines capture kinetic energy from wind and convert it into electricity. Utility-scale wind turbines are mounted on towers, some 300 feet or taller. At those heights, the wind is faster and less turbulent. In utility-scale power applications, any number of turbines are connected to the utility grid, generating electricity as the wind turns the blades and turbine.

Over the past two decades, wind energy has seen dramatic increases in use in the United States and worldwide. The BLM manages more than 20 million acres of public lands in 11 western states with wind energy potential, and has approved wind energy projects on public lands since 1982.  Currently, about 5 percent of total producing utility-scale wind energy capacity in the United States is generated from facilities on public lands.

State renewable energy portfolios, production tax credits, and the decreasing cost of equipment and technology have all contributed to public and industry interest in utility-scale wind energy development. In addition, laws enacted in most western states require power utilities to purchase a portion of their energy from renewable sources.

As a result, the BLM anticipates a continued interest in use of public lands for wind energy development. Building and operating a wind energy facility on public lands requires a right-of-way (ROW) authorization. 

By completing a comprehensive programmatic environmental review of wind energy on public lands in 2005, the BLM amended 52 regional Resource Management Plans and crafted policy guidance on best management practices. The policy includes measures to mitigate the potential impact of wind energy on birds, wildlife habitat, and other resources, as well as the administration of wind energy authorizations. 

Wind Resources

Oregon wind energy site. BLM photo

View our Wind Energy Project Information.

BLM's Wind Energy Program

West-wide Wind Mapping Project

The West-wide Wind Mapping Project is an online mapping tool that allows users to overlay wind energy potential on BLM-administered lands with other natural, social, and cultural resource data.

BLM staff and stakeholders can use the tool to identify areas with high wind energy potential and low resource conflict that may be appropriate for wind energy development.

A map of the western United States showing various potential wind development areas.