Publication of the record of decision on a Programmatic Environmental Impact Statement by secretary of the interior Gale Norton will allow BLM to amend 52 land-use plans in nine western states to generate 3,200 MW from wind turbines, which is equivalent to electricity for one million homes.
Individual projects will still require site-specific analysis and permits but BLM expects to shorten the approval process for new wind projects from two years to less than one year.
"With this record of decision and the amendment of the land-use plans, we are taking an important step in diversifying and expanding America's energy supply while conserving wildlife and its habitat," says Norton. "We can conceivably produce six times more wind energy on BLM lands."
The Department of the Interior has made increased production of green power on public lands one of its top priorities, says Norton. In the last 5 years, BLM has issued 86 wind energy permits, compared to four issued in the previous five years.
Wind provides percent of green power nationwide. BLM has 22 wind development sites which generate 500 MWh of power, according to BLM.
