PHOTO: Wind turbines on BLM land in California. Renewable energy projects would be easier to develop under legislation sponsored by Montana Democrat Jon Tester. CREDIT: Bureau of Land Management.
June 16, 2014
MISSOULA, Mont. – Wind and solar energy companies would have an easier time leasing public lands for projects, under a bill from Montana Sen. Jon Tester.
The Public Land Renewable Energy Development Act is waiting for a spot on a committee calendar. It has support from the state’s Congressional delegation, as well as bi-partisan signees from other states. The Western Governors’ Association and National Association of Counties also support it.
According to Dave Chadwick, executive director of the Montana Wildlife Federation, wildlife conflicts are the biggest concern for renewable projects. Tester’s bill addresses that, and more.
“It’s really a win-win-win for wildlife conservation for hunting opportunity, and for energy companies,” said Chadwick. “It’s also a win for local communities, because the program also includes an element of impact assistance.”
Chadwick added the Forest Service and Bureau of Land Management would have funding to inventory possible development regions to make assessments about wildlife conflicts, and how they could be reduced.
The bill was part of a package of legislation blocked by the Senate last month. Chadwick said he hadn’t heard any opposition to the bill by itself.
“The political environment right now is challenging,” said Chadwick. “But something with this kind of broad, bi-partisan support hopefully can pass in Congress.”
Sen. Tester has held local meetings about the legislation to boost support, in hopes that the bill will be placed on a calendar soon.
Read the Public Land Renewable Energy Development Act, as submitted to the Library of Congress.
Deborah Courson Smith/Deb Courson Smith, Public News Service – MT
Renewable Energy Public Lands Legislation Ready for Hurdles
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