Solar Energy Zones Proposed
BLM will establish zones on most appropriate areas.
Compiled by staff
Published: Dec 22, 2010
Secretary of the Interior Ken Salazar and Secretary of Energy Steven Chu have announced a comprehensive environmental analysis that has identified proposed 'solar energy zones' on public lands in six western states most suitable for environmentally sound, utility-scale solar energy production. The detailed study, known as the Draft Solar Programmatic Environmental Impact Statement, is part of the Obama Administration's efforts to create a framework for developing renewable energy in the right way and in the right places.
Salazar says the draft statement assessed the environmental, social, and economic impacts associated with solar energy development on Bureau of Land Management administered areas in Arizona, California, Colorado, Nevada, New Mexico, and Utah.
Under this proposal, the BLM would establish Solar Energy Zones within the lands available for solar development right of way applications. These are areas that have been identified as most appropriate for development, containing the highest solar energy potential and fewest environmental and resource conflicts. The Solar Energy Zones would provide directed, landscape-scale planning for future solar projects and allow for a more efficient permitting and siting process.
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Tagged: land management
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