summary
Introduced
In Committee
Crossed Over
Passed
Dead
Introduced Session
112th Congress
Bill Summary
Utilizing America's Federal Lands for Wind Energy Act - Exempts projects determined by the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) or the Forest Service to be meteorological site testing and monitoring projects from environmental impact statement requirements under the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (NEPA). Defines a "meteorological site testing and monitoring project" as a project that is carried out on land administered by BLM or the Forest Service to test or monitor weather using towers or other devices, that is decommissioned within five years of its commencement, that provides meteorological information to such agencies, that causes less than one acre of soil or vegetation disruption at the location of each meteorological tower or other device and no more than five acres of soil or disruption within the proposed right-of-way for the project, and that is installed: (1) using existing access roads, (2) in a manner that does not require off-road motorized access other than one installation activity and one decommissioning activity along an identified off-road route approved by the BLM Director or the Chief of the Forest Service, (3) without construction of new roads other than upgrading of existing minor drainage crossings for safety purposes, and (4) without the use of digging or drilling equipment vehicles other than rubber-tired vehicles with gross weight ratings under 8,500 pounds. Requires the BLM Director or Chief of the Forest Service: (1) to decide whether to issue a permit for such a project within 30 days after receiving an application for such permit; (2) during such period, to provide an opportunity for public comments and to consult with the heads of agencies that would be affected by issuance of the permit; and (3) provide to the applicant reasons why an application is denied and an opportunity to remedy any deficiencies. Requires BLM and the Forest Service to treat the meteorological information provided under this Act as proprietary information and to protect it against disclosure.
AI Summary
This bill, titled the "Utilizing America's Federal Lands for Wind Energy Act," aims to streamline the process for installing temporary weather monitoring equipment on federal lands managed by the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) and the Forest Service, which are agencies responsible for managing vast public lands. Specifically, it exempts projects that test or monitor weather conditions, such as wind and solar potential, from the extensive environmental review process typically required by the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (NEPA). To qualify for this exemption, these "meteorological site testing and monitoring projects" must meet strict criteria: they must be temporary, lasting no more than five years, and cause minimal disruption to soil and vegetation, with specific limits on the area affected. Installation must prioritize existing roads, avoid off-road vehicle use except for limited, approved access during setup and removal, and prohibit the construction of new roads, with only minor upgrades to existing crossings allowed. Furthermore, the bill mandates that the BLM and Forest Service decide on permit applications for these projects within 30 days, provide opportunities for public comment and consultation with other agencies, and offer clear reasons and a chance to correct issues if an application is denied. Importantly, any weather data collected by these projects and provided to the agencies will be treated as confidential and protected from public disclosure.
Committee Categories
Agriculture and Natural Resources
Sponsors (12)
Kristi Noem (R)*,
Paul Broun (R),
Jeff Duncan (R),
John Duncan (R),
Bill Flores (R),
Doc Hastings (R),
Raúl Labrador (R),
Doug Lamborn (R),
Jeffrey Landry (R),
Tom McClintock (R),
Steve Southerland (R),
Rob Wittman (R),
Last Action
Placed on the Union Calendar, Calendar No. 200. (on 12/01/2011)
Official Document
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