New Solar Energy Applications Will Continue to Be Accepted by BLM
by Matthew McDermott, New York, NY 
on 07. 2.08
photo: Getty Images
BLM Reverses Policy
In a reversal of previously stated policy regarding its moratorium on solar energy project applications, the Bureau of Land Management has announced that it will continue to accept applications for new solar projects on public lands, and process these along with the 125 already submitted, pending the completion of the programmatic Environmental Impact Statement.
BLM director James Caswell:
We heard the concerns expressed during the scoping period about waiting to consider new applications and we are taking action. By continuing to accept and process new applications for solar energy projects, we will aggressively help meet growing interest in renewable energy source, while ensuring environmental protections.
Given the enthusiasm with which Treehugger readers have responded to this issue, let me point out that you can still voice your concerns to the BLM through their online comment form. Nothing like public (and industry) outcry actually working to changing government policy.
:: Solar Energy Development Programmatic EIS
Solar Energy
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Now if they'd only listen to us and end the war on drugs. Um, and the war in Iraq. What we need is a war on stupidity.
I wouldn't get too excited! Usually the way Bushco works is they publicly state what people want to hear and then do what they really want, which in this case means that very little will be done with these applications between now and 1/09. I really hope I am wrong. I read today that more Coal plants are being built today than any time in the last 20 years. I guess this fits in with Bush' voluntary global warming plan.
AZT,
You are correct. For about 20 years utilities built almost nothing but gasfired generation. This was during a time when natural gas was quite inexpensive.
There is now about 18-1/2 GW of coal fired generation under construction in the US.
For comparison, there is less than 7GW of wind power under construction and less than 1GW of other renewables.
Bill
I agreed AZT its all smoke and mirrors. Remeber they are only accepting applications. This does not necessarily mean they will be approving applications. I hope next january hurries up and gets here fast!
But we have to meet our stupidity quotas...