Officials at the United States Department of the Interior officially presented their updated roadmap for the development of solar power solutions throughout the country’s western states. These updates focus on the expansion of solar power production facilities throughout the region to improve efficiency in terms of siting and the issuance of permits for renewable energy initiatives.
At the same time, the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) announced the next phases of several ongoing renewable energy projects in the states of Arizona, California, and Nevada. Collectively, these potentially makeup over 1,700 megawatts of potential energy generated using solar means, as well as 1,300 megawatts of battery storage.
Both roadmaps were announced on Wednesday, January 17th.
Gaining Momentum
These show that the Biden Administration’s Investing in America platform continues to gain momentum, particularly where the shift to green and renewable power is concerned.
Investing in America aims to decrease energy costs paid for by consumers, reduce the occurrence of power outages during extreme climate events like hurricanes or blizzards, mitigate the overall impact of the global climate crisis on the US economy, and ensure that all citizens have unimpeded access to clean air as well as environmental justice.
Investments for a Better Tomorrow
In a statement, acting Deputy Secretary of the Interior Laura Daniel-Davis remarked that her department’s work regarding the immediate and responsible development of renewable energy projects enables the country to move towards its goal of having mainstream carbon emission-free energy nationwide by 2035.
Daniel-Davis added that investments made under Investing in America enable the Interior Department to develop necessary and resilient climate-proof infrastructure that will keep communities safe from the adverse impact of a changing climate.
For her part, BLM Director Tracy Stone-Manning stated that similar investments have enabled her Bureau to uphold its commitment to help achieve a carbon-free economy through the responsible use of public lands. Along with promoting energy security throughout the US, the BLM also aims to do its part by generating employment in relative industries.
To date, the Bureau has approved 47 clean power initiatives, as well as permitted over 11,000 megawatts of renewably sourced energy on public lands.
