Public Land Renewable Energy Development Act of 2024
Impact
By promoting renewable energy projects on public lands, HB 8954 seeks to enhance the United States' transition to clean energy while addressing environmental conservation. The bill emphasizes that a portion of the revenue generated must be used for environmental restoration and the preservation of recreational access to these lands. This dual focus on energy development and environmental responsibility aims to mitigate the impact of such projects on local ecosystems and communities.
Summary
House Bill 8954, titled the Public Land Renewable Energy Development Act of 2024, aims to streamline the development of renewable energy projects on federal lands. The bill mandates the establishment of a Renewable Energy Resource Conservation Fund, funded by revenues from renewable energy projects, such as solar, wind, and geothermal developments. It specifies a structured revenue allocation where 25% of the collected amounts will be distributed to states and counties affected by these projects, encouraging local investment and planning.
Contention
While supporters argue that the bill will foster economic growth through green energy investments and job creation, critics express concern over the potential environmental impacts of large-scale energy projects. Some stakeholders are worried that the expedited permitting process could overlook ecological considerations and lead to adverse effects on wildlife habitats and natural landscapes. The balance between energy development and environmental stewardship remains at the forefront of discussions surrounding HB 8954.
Related
Public Land Renewable Energy Development Act of 2023This bill sets forth provisions regarding development of geothermal, solar, or wind energy on public lands. The Department of the Interior shall establish priority areas on its land for geothermal, solar, and wind energy projects, consistent with the principles of multiple use and the renewable energy permitting goal. Among applications for a given renewable energy source, proposed projects located in priority areas for that renewable energy source shall be given the highest priority for incentivizing deployment, and be offered the opportunity to participate in any regional mitigation plan developed for the relevant priority areas. The bill provides for the disposition of revenues from the development of wind or solar energy. The bill establishes the Renewable Energy Resource Conservation Fund to make funds available to federal, state, and tribal agencies for distribution in regions in which renewable energy projects are located on federal land for (1) restoring and protecting natural water bodies and fish and wildlife habitat and corridors, and (2) preserving and improving recreational access to federal land and water in an affected region.
Public Land Renewable Energy Development Act of 2023This bill sets forth provisions regarding development of geothermal, solar, or wind energy on public lands. The Department of the Interior shall establish priority areas on its land for geothermal, solar, and wind energy projects, consistent with the principles of multiple use and the renewable energy permitting goal. Among applications for a given renewable energy source, proposed projects located in priority areas for that renewable energy source shall be given the highest priority for incentivizing deployment, and be offered the opportunity to participate in any regional mitigation plan developed for the relevant priority areas. The bill provides for the disposition of revenues from the development of wind or solar energy. The bill establishes the Renewable Energy Resource Conservation Fund to make funds available to federal, state, and tribal agencies for distribution in regions in which renewable energy projects are located on federal land for (1) restoring and protecting natural water bodies and fish and wildlife habitat and corridors, and (2) preserving and improving recreational access to federal land and water in an affected region.
To amend the Outer Continental Shelf Lands Act to support the responsible development of offshore renewable energy projects, establish the Offshore Power Administration, and for other purposes.
Reforms the organizational structure for the Department of Transportation and Development including its duties, powers, and responsibilities of officers and employees (EN INCREASE SD EX See Note)