Utah Valley Times

Representatives John Curtis of Utah and Mike Levin of California have introduced the Co-Location Energy Act, a legislative proposal aimed at facilitating renewable energy projects on federal lands. The bill seeks to enable wind and solar projects to be co-located on existing federal energy leases, providing a framework for developers to evaluate and build projects with the consent of current leaseholders.

"Innovation and efficiency are key as we work to meet energy demands and reduce emissions," stated Rep. Curtis. "The Co-Location Energy Act takes a commonsense approach by leveraging already-leased federal lands for renewable energy development. By expediting permitting and ensuring that previously disturbed areas are fully utilized, this bill increases energy on the grid without compromising existing operations."

Rep. Levin added, "The Co-Location Energy Act is a bipartisan, innovative way to accelerate the deployment of renewable energy with minimal impact to our public lands and natural resources. Co-locating energy resources will help to streamline project approvals, reduce our emissions, and provide new economic opportunities for local communities. I’m glad to work with my colleague Senator-Elect John Curtis on this bipartisan solution and look forward to continuing this effort in the 119th Congress."

The legislation instructs the Department of the Interior (DOI) to authorize renewable energy evaluation and development by allowing developers, with leaseholder consent, to construct solar and wind projects on top of oil, gas, coal, and geothermal leased areas. It also requires the DOI to assess when such production could qualify for a categorical exclusion under the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA), thereby responsibly expediting the permitting process.

The Co-Location Energy Act aims to ensure that renewable projects proceed only with current leaseholders' consent while utilizing federal lands for enhanced energy production.