Context is Crucial in Examining BLM’s Proposed Rule for Fracking On Federal Land
In a significant policy shift, the U.S. Department of the Interior announced a Bureau of Land Management (BLM) policy update designed to expedite the oil and gas leasing process on public lands. Through a newly issued...more
On February 11, 2025, the U.S. House Committee on Natural Resources, Subcommittee on Federal Lands, held an Oversight Hearing on “Restoring Multiple Use to Revitalize America’s Public Lands and Rural Communities.”...more
On the President’s first day in office, January 20, the White House released Executive Order 14153, titled “Unleashing Alaska’s Extraordinary Resource Potential” (the “Alaska EO”). The Alaska EO states that: The State of...more
A bill that would enable schools, shopping centers, and landlords of multi-unit residential buildings to use the electricity they collect with their own rooftop solar systems has passed the California Legislature....more
In May 2024, the Bureau of Land Management (BLM or the Agency) issued a final rule updating its renewable energy and right-of-way (ROW) policies. BLM is one of the largest landholders in the United States, with significant...more
The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission on Monday approved a long-awaited rule to make it easier to transmit renewable energy such as wind and solar power to the electric grid — a key part of President Joe Biden’s goal to...more
The Fluid Mineral Leases and Leasing Process rule (FMLLP), which was announced by the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) on April 12, 2024, represents a significant update to the Federal onshore oil and gas leasing framework....more
On April 10, 2024, the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) issued a long-awaited final rule updating its venting and flaring requirements on federal and Indian leases, imposing new requirements to establish plans for gas takeaway...more
The U.S. Bureau of Land Management (BLM) announced on January 17, 2024, the publication of its draft Programmatic Environmental Impact Statement (PEIS) to help streamline and accelerate utility-scale solar energy development...more
The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) announced an update to its 2012 plan for solar power development in the western U.S., adding five states to the original six. The original plan identified prime areas for solar development...more
It is clear that these have been busy months for federal environmental regulators, especially those working at EPA, the federal departments and the Council on Environmental Quality. Even the Department of Agriculture has...more
Interior Secretary Deb Haaland announced the advancement of 15 new renewable energy projects in the western U.S., including a 500 MW photovoltaic facility in Riverside County, which was fully operational Friday, as well as...more
The California Independent System Operator (CAISO) is the strongest market in the U.S. when it comes to using energy storage for renewable integration, grid optimization, and electrification and decentralization, with a 43.7...more
The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) published a Proposed Rule on June 16, 2023, that would, if adopted, amend its existing right-of-way regulations to promote solar and wind energy development on public lands administered by...more
The amount of new power generation and energy storage in the transmission interconnection queues across the U.S. continues to rise dramatically, with over 2,000 GW of total generation and storage capacity now seeking...more
California will invest $9.3 billion in 46 transmission projects to accommodate the state’s renewable energy shift, enabling more than 17 GW of solar generation to be added to the grid....more
Secretary of the Interior Deb Haaland announced on December 5, 2022, that the U.S. Bureau of Land Management (BLM) will develop an updated Solar Programmatic Environmental Impact Statement (PEIS) to help guide solar energy...more
BLM approves construction of large California solar projects Bullet E&E News – June 13 The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) has authorized construction work to begin on two solar projects in Southern California, which would be...more
Biden orders emergency steps to boost U.S. solar production Bullet Associated Press – June 6 President Joe Biden on Monday ordered emergency measures to boost crucial supplies to U.S. solar manufacturers and declared a...more
Interior Department announces first offshore California wind lease sale Bullet The Hill – May 26 The Biden administration on Thursday announced the first proposed wind power lease sales offshore in California and off the West...more
Renewable electricity powered California just shy of 100% for the first time in history Bullet USA Today – May 3 Renewable electricity met nearly 100% of California's demand for the first time on Saturday, officials said,...more
California grid reaches record 97.6% renewable share - Renew Economy – April 19 - California has set a new record of 97.6% instantaneous renewables on its grid, marking a major new milestone on the way to a carbon free grid...more
The Biden administration will resume federal oil and gas leasing in June with a large reduction in acres available for drilling and a historic royalty rate increase. On April 18, 2022, the Bureau of Land Management (“BLM”)...more
Biden administration launches new effort to help communities with energy transition - The Hill – September 15 - The U.S. Department of Energy is launching a new initiative aimed at helping communities transition away...more
BLM announces plans to revise regulations for solar and wind on public lands - The Hill – August 31 - The Biden administration announced that it would "revise" regulations pertaining to renewable energy on public...more