January 10, 2012
U.S.

BLM seeks public comment on wind energy zones

Public Opinion Online, www.publicopiniononline.com

WASHINGTON, D.C. – The U.S. Bureau of Land Management plans to begin authorizing competitive leasing bods for wind and solar projects on its public lands.

Before the competition for such projects begins, however, the agency said it will rule on projects by designating wind energy development zones. These zones, based on a map being developed through cooperation with American Bird Conservancy, will indicate areas where wind energy projects would be most risky to birds.

The agency is accepting public comments and suggestions through Feb. 26 regarding the proposed rulemaking. A federal register notice may be viewed at http://www.gpo.gov/fdsys/pkg/FR-2011-12-29/html/2011-33429.htm.

ABC last year petitioned the Department of the Interior to create mandatory regulations to protect migratory birds at wind energy facilities. The petition may be viewed at http://www.abcbirds.org/newsandreports/releases/111214.html.

URL to article:  https://www.wind-watch.org/news/2012/01/10/blm-seeks-public-comment-on-wind-energy-zones/