The large-scale study will assess how proposed solar farms and other renewable energy projects could impact animals, plants, and habitats.
The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) announced $4.9 million in funding to support studies of the impacts of renewable energy projects on local ecosystems and wildlife.
As Greg Haas reports for KLAS, “The information collected could help the BLM decide the best places for projects as they come up for environmental review, and could help to fast-track some permits by doing wildlife studies ahead of time.”
Patrick Donnelly, Great Basin director at the Center for Biological Diversity, says that in addition to data collection, “We need strong new planning tools to give federal officials the authority to prioritize certain low conflict projects while denying projects that harm endangered species.”
Eight of the 10 largest proposed U.S. solar projects are in Nevada. “Those projects will eventually produce more than a quarter of the 25 gigawatts of electricity the Biden administration intends to permit on public lands by the end of 2025.”
FULL STORY: $4.9 million set aside for wildlife, plant studies ahead of solar, wind projects on public lands
BLM To Rescind Public Lands Rule
The change will downgrade conservation, once again putting federal land at risk for mining and other extractive uses.
Key Wins for Conservation in 2024
The year brought some important victories to advocates for public lands, national monuments, and the reclamation of Indigenous history.
Rural Nevada Counties Struggle to Keep up with Solar Projects
Local officials are calling for state regulations that would require federal land managers to enter agreements with local jurisdictions before moving forward with major renewable energy projects.
Trump Administration Could Effectively End Housing Voucher Program
Federal officials are eyeing major cuts to the Section 8 program that helps millions of low-income households pay rent.
Planetizen Federal Action Tracker
A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.
Canada vs. Kamala: Whose Liberal Housing Platform Comes Out on Top?
As Canada votes for a new Prime Minister, what can America learn from the leading liberal candidate of its neighbor to the north?
Washington State’s Parking Reform Law Could Unlock ‘Countless’ Acres for New Housing
A law that limits how much parking cities can require for residential amd commercial developments could lead to a construction boom.
Wildlife Rebounds After the Eaton Fire
Following the devastation of the Eaton Fire, the return of wildlife and the regrowth of native plants are offering powerful signs of resilience and renewal.
LA to Replace Inglewood Light Rail Project With Bus Shuttles
LA Metro says the change is in response to community engagement and that the new design will be ready before the 2028 Olympic Games.
Urban Design for Planners 1: Software Tools
This six-course series explores essential urban design concepts using open source software and equips planners with the tools they need to participate fully in the urban design process.
Planning for Universal Design
Learn the tools for implementing Universal Design in planning regulations.
Central Transportation Planning Staff/Boston Region MPO
Heyer Gruel & Associates PA
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City of Grandview
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Regional Transportation Commission of Southern Nevada
Toledo-Lucas County Plan Commissions