The US Department of the Interior has announced a set of measures that will affect the planning and approval of wind energy projects on federal lands and offshore areas. These steps follow a review of how renewable energy projects are managed on public land and waters. The Department will review whether some areas of federal land with strong wind potential should be withdrawn from future onshore wind development, in order to balance energy projects with other uses such as grazing and recreation. It also plans to end future offshore wind lease sales by cancelling previously designated Wind Energy Areas covering more than 3.5 million acres.
Another measure is the introduction of a more detailed consultation process with tribal authorities, fishing interests and coastal communities before offshore wind projects are approved. The aim is to take into account potential impacts on commercial fishing, tourism and local planning priorities.
The Department will also study the effects of wind turbines on migratory birds. This includes examining whether bird mortality associated with turbine installations falls within the scope of the Migratory Bird Treaty Act and if additional permitting or penalties may be required.
In addition, the agency will review past policies to identify whether federal permitting rules have given preferential treatment to certain energy sources, including wind and solar, and make recommendations for revisions.
