Bill > S896

This bill allows the Secretary of the Interior to authorize renewable energy projects on existing federal energy leases, specifically for lands currently used for oil, gas, coal, or geothermal purposes. The bill defines an "existing Federal energy lease" as a lease, easement, or right-of-way on land managed by the Secretary of the Interior that was issued on or before the bill's enactment date under the Mineral Leasing Act or the Geothermal Steam Act. The legislation permits evaluating and developing solar and wind energy systems on these existing leased areas, but requires the consent of the current leaseholder before any new renewable energy project can be initiated. Within 180 days of enactment, the Secretary must determine whether these renewable energy development actions would typically have a significant environmental impact, as defined by the National Environmental Policy Act. The bill aims to promote renewable energy development by allowing co-location of solar and wind energy infrastructure on existing energy lease sites, potentially reducing the need for additional land use and maximizing the utility of already developed areas. The Secretary of the Interior is mandated to create rules to implement these new provisions, which will help streamline the process of adding renewable energy infrastructure to existing federal energy lease locations.

Agriculture and Natural Resources

https://www.congress.gov/bill/119th-congress/senate-bill/896/all-info