The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) has announced the availability of a Record of Decision (ROD) for amendments to Resource Management Plans (RMPs) to support large-scale solar energy projects across public lands in 11 states. These amendments aim to update the management framework for solar energy development, ensuring better protection of significant resources while excluding about 131 million acres from solar development. Approximately 31 million acres remain potentially available for solar projects, with specific considerations such as proximity to transmission lines and previously disturbed land being factors for project approval. The decision seeks to advance solar energy while balancing other land uses and addressing consistent State and Federal planning methods.
Simple Explanation
The Bureau of Land Management has decided which parts of public land can be used for big solar energy projects; they've chosen certain spots where it’s okay and kept a lot more off-limits to protect important things in nature. They want to make sure they use land wisely for the sun's energy while keeping other uses and rules in check.