WASHINGTON, DC — This week, the U.S. Bureau of Land Management (BLM) formally published new proposed rules governing leasing and rental rates for renewable energy projects on public lands. The new leasing rules adopt many of the Solar Energy Industries Association’s (SEIA’s) suggestions and will help to speed renewable energy deployment on public lands and put BLM’s renewable energy goals in reach.  

Following is a statement from Ben Norris, senior director of regulatory affairs at SEIA on the proposed rules:  

“We’re pleased to see the U.S. Bureau of Land Management’s (BLM’s) long-awaited new renewable energy rules, which include many of SEIA’s recommendations for streamlining the process to build renewable energy projects on public lands.  

“The new rules will reduce rents and fees for renewable energy projects through 2035 and eliminate duplicative payments for renewable energy developers, helping to lower overall project costs. The rules also extend lease terms for renewable projects to 50 years, include a new category for standalone storage, and remove competitive leasing requirements in priority areas — all positive developments for the solar and storage industry.  

“Taken together, these new rules will create much needed business certainty and help to deliver more reliable and affordable clean energy to consumers. We commend BLM for working with the solar and storage industry and issuing thoughtful rules that will help us fight the climate crisis.