Bill > HR1994

This bill promotes the development of renewable energy on public lands by establishing a comprehensive framework for wind and solar energy projects. The legislation defines key terms such as "covered land" (federal lands not excluded from renewable energy development), "renewable energy project" (wind or solar energy generation on covered lands), and creates a new Renewable Energy Resource Conservation Fund. The bill mandates a specific revenue distribution model where 25% of collected revenues go to the state, 25% to counties, 25% to the Secretary of the Interior for permit processing and facilitation, and 25% to the conservation fund. The conservation fund will be used to restore and protect wildlife habitats, fish and wildlife corridors, natural water bodies, and improve recreational access to federal lands. The bill also includes a provision for "limited grandfathering" that allows existing renewable energy project owners who applied for rights-of-way before December 19, 2016, to continue paying previous rental and fee rates. Additionally, the legislation requires annual reporting to Congress on fund collections, payments, and remaining balances, with the intent that these revenues supplement, not replace, existing annual appropriations for conservation and land management activities.

Agriculture and Natural Resources

https://www.congress.gov/bill/119th-congress/house-bill/1994/all-info