Bipartisan legislation makes practical use of federal lands by allowing wind and solar projects to be co-located on existing federal energy leases
Washington, D.C. – U.S. Senators John Curtis (R-UT) and John Hickenlooper (D-CO) today introduced the Co-Location Energy Act, bipartisan legislation that takes a forward-thinking approach to unlock renewable energy potential. By allowing wind and solar projects to be co-located on existing federal energy leases, the Co-Location Energy Act provides a streamlined framework for developers to evaluate and build projects on already-disturbed federal lands with the consent of the current leaseholder.
“Innovation and efficiency are key as we work to meet energy demands and reduce emissions,” said Senator Curtis. “The Co-Location Energy Act is a commonsense approach that leverages already-leased federal lands for renewable energy development. By expediting permitting and ensuring that previously disturbed areas are fully utilized, this bill strengthens energy supply to the grid without compromising existing operations.”
“Our clean energy future is here. We need to meet it,” said Senator Hickenlooper. “Our bipartisan bill will cut unnecessary red tape to speed our energy production and bring more wind and solar projects online quicker.”
“Bipartisan action on energy is a win for everyone. Planet Reimagined’s work on the co-location model finds common ground to build new renewable energy projects on top of federal oil and gas land,” said Adam Met, Founder and Executive Director of Planet Reimagined. “I applaud the leadership of Senators Curtis and Hickenlooper and their work to highlight the potential for new energy solutions in the western US by effectively opening up 18 Million acres of current and former oil and gas land for new solar and wind projects. This can generate up to 2000 GW of new electricity, and will go a long way towards securing America’s energy future.”
“The American Clean Power Association strongly supports Senator John Curtis’ Co-Location Energy Act, which will help our nation meet growing energy demands by enabling efficient co-location of renewable energy projects with other energy sources,” said Frank Macchiarola, Chief Advocacy Office of American Clean Power. “It supports a forward-thinking, all-the-above energy strategy, which is essential for ensuring Americans have access to reliable and affordable energy. We commend Senator Curtis for his leadership in advancing policies that drive innovation and strengthen America’s energy infrastructure.”
The legislation directs the Department of the Interior (DOI) to:
- Authorize the Evaluation and Development of Renewable Energy on Existing Leases: Renewable energy developers can evaluate and, with leaseholder consent, construct solar and wind projects on oil, gas, coal, and geothermal leased areas.
- Assess for Categorical Exclusions: DOl must analyze whether wind and solar production could qualify for a categorical exclusion under the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA), responsibly expediting the permitting process.
The Co-Location Energy Act ensures that renewable projects proceed only with the consent of current leaseholders while making practical use of federal lands for increased energy production.
The full bill text can be found here and a one-pager can be found here.