Wind Energy Development Programmatic EIS Information Center
The Final Wind Energy Programmatic EIS (Wind PEIS) was completed in June 2005. This website provides a repository of documents and information related to development of the Wind PEIS, as well as periodic updates on the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Wind Energy Program.
The BLM has prepared a Final Programmatic Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) to evaluate issues associated with wind energy development on Western public lands (excluding Alaska) administered by the BLM. This web site is the online center for public information and involvement in the EIS process.
The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) has cooperated in the preparation of this Programmatic EIS in support of the BLM's efforts.
Competitive Leasing Rule for Wind and Solar Leasing is Finalized
On November 10, 2016, The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) finalized its rule governing solar and wind energy development on public lands, as described in a Press Release issued November 10th. The rule strengthens existing policies and creates a new leasing program that will support renewable energy development through, among other things, competitive leasing processes and incentives to encourage development in suitable areas.
BLM's Draft Competitive Leasing Rule for Wind and Solar Leasing Released for Comment
On September 30, 2014, the BLM issued its Draft Competitive Leasing rule for Wind and Solar Leasing in a Federal Register notice. Publication kicks off a 60-day comment period that closes on December 1, 2014. The proposed regulations would promote the use of "designated leasing areas." The rule would establish competitive processes, terms and conditions (including rental and bonding requirements) for solar and wind energy development rights-of-way (ROWs) both inside and outside the designated leasing areas, and provide incentives for leases in designated leasing areas. A Draft Environmental Assessment and an Economic Analysis supporting the draft rule are available.
Revised BLM Wind Energy Policy Instruction Memorandum Available
Record of Decision Available
The full text of the the Record of Decision to implement a Wind Energy Development Program and amend land use plans is now available for viewing and downloading in Adobe Acrobat PDF format, in the Documents section of this web site.
A Notice of Availability of the Record of Decision (ROD) for the Wind Energy Development Programmatic Environmental Impact Statement (PEIS) and Associated Land Use Plan Amendments (PDF, 52 KB) announcing the release of the ROD was published in the Federal Register on January 11, 2006.
Final Programmatic EIS Document Available
The full text of the Wind Energy Development Final Programmatic EIS is available for downloading or online browsing in Adobe Acrobat PDF format. The EIS Guide provides an annotated table of content for the main sections of the EIS with links to the text, while the EIS Summary provides an overview of the Programmatic EIS contents and findings.
A Notice of Availability (NOA) (PDF, 59 KB) announcing the release of the Final PEIS was published in the Federal Register on June 24, 2005. The proposed action analyzed in the Final PEIS would implement a Wind Energy Development Program, establish policies and best management practices for wind energy right-of-way authorizations, and amend 52 BLM land use plans.
The Final PEIS includes proposed amendments to 52 BLM land use plans in Colorado, Idaho, Montana, Nevada, New Mexico, Oregon, Utah, Washington, and Wyoming, as described in Appendix C (PDF, 96 KB) of the Final Programmatic EIS. BLM land use planning regulations (43 CFR 1610.5-2) state that any person who participated in the planning process, and has an interest that may be adversely affected, may protest. The protest must be filed within 30 days of the date that the Environmental Protection Agency publishes the Notice of Availability in the Federal Register. Instructions for filing of protests are described in the "Dear Reader" letter (PDF, 1.1 MB) in the front of Volume 1 of the Final PEIS.
Public Comments Available
The public was recently given the opportunity to provide comments on the Draft Programmatic EIS. The public comment period began Sep. 10, 2004, and ended Dec. 10, 2004. Public comments on the draft Programmatic EIS have been incorporated in Volume 3 of the Programmatic EIS.
Public Participation
Public participation in the Wind Energy Programmatic EIS is important. This web site provides information and services to help you participate in the EIS process.
Wind Energy Programmatic EIS
EIS purpose, scope, and schedule.
Getting Involved
How to participate in the EIS process and how public comments are used in the EIS process.
Wind Energy Guide
Wind energy basics, environmental issues, maps, photos, and links to wind energy resources on the World Wide Web.
EIS Documents
EIS and related documents for downloading or online browsing.
Other resources include a list of frequently asked questions (FAQs), news updates, and e-mail notices of important events.
Background Information
In response to recommendations contained in the President's National Energy Policy that encourage the development of renewable energy resources, the BLM is undertaking efforts to evaluate additional wind energy development on public lands, including the establishment of a Wind Energy Development Program. The BLM currently administers numerous wind energy right-of-way authorizations on lands in several Western states and has received a large number of new project proposals. The BLM has determined that the establishment of a Wind Energy Development Program would be a major federal action that requires preparation of a Programmatic EIS.
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