Levin and Curtis Introduce Co-Location Energy Act to Streamline Renewable Energy Development on Federal Lands
Washington, D.C. — Today, Representatives Mike Levin (D-CA) and John Curtis (R-UT) introduced the Co-Location Energy Act, a forward-thinking bill designed to unlock renewable energy potential by allowing wind and solar projects to be co-located on existing federal energy leases. The legislation provides a streamlined framework for developers to evaluate and build projects on already-disturbed federal lands with the consent of the current leaseholder.
“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,” said Rep. Levin. “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.”
“Innovation and efficiency are key as we work to meet energy demands and reduce emissions,” said 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.”
The legislation directs the Department of the Interior (DOI) to:
- Authorize Renewable Energy Evaluation and Development: Renewable energy developers can evaluate and, with leaseholder consent, construct solar and wind projects on top of oil, gas, coal, and geothermal leased areas.
- Assess for Categorical Exclusions: The Department of the Interior (DOI) must analyze when wind and solar production on federal lands could qualify for a categorical exclusion under the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA), responsibly expediting the permitting process. This is particularly relevant due to this legislation expanding renewable energy development in already disturbed areas.
The Co-Location Energy Act ensures that renewable projects proceed only with the consent of current leaseholders while making practical use of federal lands for enhanced energy production.
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