Renewable Energy Priority Projects
The U.S. Department of the Interior and the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) are committed to America’s clean energy future. BLM-California is working to diversify the nation’s energy portfolio through permitting the development of wind, solar, geothermal, and transmission on BLM-managed public lands within the state. Many of these projects are reviewed and processed jointly with the State of California through a unique partnership between the BLM, the California Energy Commission, the California Public Utilities Commission, and other agencies.
Much progress has been made, with the approval of the first utility scale solar projects ever on public lands in fall 2010. More authorizations followed in 2011, including approval of the first wind energy project on California public lands since 2002. More progress lies ahead as work continues on 2012 priority projects, listed below.
Projects listed on this site have begun the environmental review process. 2012 Priority Projects have demonstrated to the BLM that they have progressed far enough to formally start the environmental review and public participation process, as well as have the potential to be cleared for approval by the end of the year. In addition, the projects must be sited in an area that minimizes impacts to the environment. The projects are largely low-to-medium conflict, in accordance with the BLM’s policy guidance on pre-application screening. A list of all of the national BLM 2012 priority projects may be found on the BLM's national renewable energy page.
Approved Renewable Energy Projects
Renewable Energy Planning
On top of reviewing individual projects, BLM California is also taking a proactive approach to planning for renewable energy. the Desert Renewable Energy Conservation Plan is a roadmap for habitat protection and solar, wind, and geothermal development in the California desert. The West Chocolate Mountains Renewable Energy Evaluation Area in Imperial County is also being analyzed for its solar, wind, and geothermal potential. Finally, the BLM is partnering with the Department of Energy on the Solar Energy Development Programmatic Environmental Impact Statement.
Solar 
Geothermal
Wind