U.S. Moves One Step Closer to Tapping World-class Solar Energy on Public Lands

Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA) President and CEO Rhone Resch released the following statement on today’s U.S. Bureau of Land Management (BLM) announcement of its rent policy for utility-scale solar power plants on federal lands:
“Recent independent polling shows that three out of four Americans support putting solar power plants on public lands. Yet while oil and gas companies have received more than 74,000 permits to operate on federal lands in the past two decades, utility-scale solar developers have received zero. We applaud Interior Secretary Salazar and BLM Director Abbey for achieving this milestone and taking another step toward the clean energy future that the American public wants.

“Utility-scale solar projects are moving forward with today’s announcement and the BLM’s efforts to fast-track the review of pending applications for solar projects on public lands. These policies, combined with other initiatives like the Treasury Grant Program (where project developers obtain a grant in lieu of a tax credit), have helped the utility-scale solar power project pipeline grow to 22 gigawatts, enough to provide clean power to 4.4 million homes and create tens of thousands of jobs from coast to coast.

“We look forward to continuing to work with the Interior Department and BLM to develop the right policies to rapidly deploy clean, reliable solar energy on public lands in a responsible manner.”

About SEIA:
Established in 1974, the Solar Energy Industries Association is the national trade association of the solar energy industry. As the voice of the industry, SEIA works with its 1,000 members to make solar a mainstream and significant energy source by expanding markets, removing market barriers, strengthening the industry and educating the public on the benefits of solar energy. Learn more at www.seia.org.
 

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