The Biden-Harris administration unveiled a series of significant steps and achievements aimed at advancing responsible clean energy development on public lands, aligning with President Biden’s ambitious target of establishing a carbon pollution-free power sector by 2035.
Secretary of the Interior Deb Haaland announced today that the Department has successfully permitted over 25 gigawatts of clean energy projects, surpassing a key milestone ahead of schedule. This milestone signifies a monumental achievement, equivalent to powering more than 12 million homes across the nation, through a blend of solar, wind, and geothermal initiatives, along with critical gen-tie lines facilitating the connection of clean energy projects to the grid on both federal and non-federal lands.
“The Biden-Harris administration has been steadfast since Day One in expanding responsible clean energy development to combat climate change, bolster America’s energy security, and foster the creation of well-paying union jobs,” remarked Secretary Deb Haaland. “Exceeding our goal of permitting 25 gigawatts of clean energy by 2025 underscores the substantial progress we’ve made in erecting modern, resilient climate infrastructure, shielding our communities from the escalating impacts of climate change.”
Moreover, the Department introduced a final Renewable Energy rule from the Bureau of Land Management (BLM), designed to reduce consumer energy costs and streamline the development process for solar and wind projects on public lands. This rule overhaul aims to incentivize responsible development while upholding the administration’s commitment to generating high-quality jobs in the clean energy sector and supporting American manufacturing.
“Our public lands play a pivotal role in the transition to clean energy,” affirmed Acting Deputy Secretary Laura Daniel-Davis. “Finalizing the Renewable Energy rule marks a significant milestone, enabling the Interior Department to continue spearheading renewable energy initiatives while advancing President Biden’s vision of fostering a clean energy economy, mitigating the climate crisis, and bolstering American energy security.”
Additionally, the BLM declared the full operational status of two solar projects—Arica and Victory Pass—in California, collectively contributing 465 megawatts of clean electricity to the grid. With these projects online, public lands now boast over 10 gigawatts of clean energy capacity, sufficient to power more than 5 million homes across the Western region.
“Renewable energy ventures like Arica and Victory Pass on public lands create lucrative employment opportunities and are pivotal in realizing the Biden-Harris administration’s objective of a carbon pollution-free power sector by 2035,” stated BLM Director Tracy Stone-Manning. “Investing in clean and reliable renewable energy underscores the BLM’s commitment to combatting climate change, ensuring affordability, and delivering clean energy solutions to families and communities.”
This monumental progress underscores the Biden-Harris administration’s commitment to promoting sustainable energy solutions, fortifying the American economy, and combatting the climate crisis, positioning the nation on a trajectory towards a cleaner, greener future.