The US Bureau of Land Management (BLM) has revealed a significant proposal for the development of solar photovoltaic (PV) systems on 31 million acres of public land across 11 western states. This initiative, part of an updated Western Solar Plan, seeks to advance solar energy deployment by building on the framework established in 2012. The plan reflects technological progress and growing energy needs, aiming to enhance the permitting process for solar projects on public lands.
The updated plan now encompasses a broader geographic range than before, adding Idaho, Montana, Oregon, Washington, and Wyoming to the list of states included in the original plan. Previously covered states are Arizona, California, Colorado, Nevada, New Mexico, and Utah. By expanding the scope, the BLM hopes to facilitate the development of solar projects in a variety of locations, increasing the potential for renewable energy generation across the western US.
BLM Proposes Solar Development on 31 Million Acres of Western Public Lands
As part of the US Department of the Interior, the BLM manages over 245 million acres of public land, with a primary focus on the western states and Alaska. To date, the agency has approved more than 29 gigawatts (GW) of clean energy capacity on these lands. The updated plan aims to streamline the permitting process, making it faster and more efficient while ensuring that new solar projects are developed in a way that minimizes environmental impact.
Dr. Steve Feldgus, the principal deputy assistant secretary for land and minerals management, highlighted that the updated Western Solar Plan is designed to build modern and resilient energy infrastructure. The plan’s focus on efficient permitting and strategic land use seeks to balance the need for clean energy with the protection of public lands and natural resources, addressing both environmental and energy needs.
Recently, the BLM has made strides in advancing solar PV projects, including the development of nine projects with a combined capacity exceeding 6.2GW. The Esmeralda 7 project in Nevada, with seven utility-scale solar plants and a capacity of 5.35GW, represents the largest of these initiatives. This progress underscores the BLM’s commitment to expanding solar energy capabilities and supporting the broader goal of combating climate change through renewable energy solutions.
