H.R. 1994: Public Land Renewable Energy Development Act of 2025
This bill, known as the Public Land Renewable Energy Development Act of 2025, aims to promote the development of renewable energy projects on public lands, specifically focusing on solar and wind energy generation. Here are the key components of the bill:
Definitions
The bill provides definitions for several terms crucial to its implementation:
- Covered land: Federal land administered by the Secretary of the Interior, not excluded from solar or wind energy development by a land use plan or other federal law.
- Federal land: Public lands and National Forest System lands.
- Renewable energy project: Any project that generates energy using wind or solar energy on covered land.
- Secretary: Refers to the Secretary of the Interior.
Limited Grandfathering
The bill includes provisions to protect certain existing projects by requiring them to continue paying previous rental rates and fees, provided they applied for a right-of-way before a specific date in 2016.
Disposition of Revenues
Starting from January 1, 2026, the bill outlines how revenues collected from renewable energy projects will be distributed:
- 25% of the revenue will go to the state where the project operates.
- 25% will be distributed among the counties impacted by the project, based on the area affected.
- 25% will be allocated to the Bureau of Land Management to help expedite permits for renewable energy projects.
- 25% will be deposited into a newly established Renewable Energy Resource Conservation Fund.
Renewable Energy Resource Conservation Fund
This fund will be administered by the Secretary of the Interior and will be used to restore and protect wildlife habitats affected by renewable energy projects, improve recreational access to federal lands, and potentially partner with state and tribal agencies or nonprofit organizations for various conservation initiatives.
Reporting and Accountability
The Secretary of the Interior is required to report annually to Congress, detailing the revenues collected, payments made to agencies, and the remaining balance in the conservation fund, ensuring transparency and accountability in managing the program.
Overall Impact
The overall intent of the bill is to facilitate the development of renewable energy on public lands while ensuring that the local communities and environments are considered and supported through financial provisions and conservation efforts.
Relevant Companies
- NEE - NextEra Energy, a major player in renewable energy that might benefit from the increased development opportunities on public lands.
- DNMR - Danimer Scientific, involved in sustainable energy solutions, which could see an impact from expanded renewable energy projects.
- CELH - Celsius Holdings, which focuses on energy drinks that may reflect the trends in renewable energy consumerism.
This is an AI-generated summary of the bill text. There may be mistakes.
Sponsors
4 bill sponsors
Actions
3 actions
| Date | Action |
|---|---|
| Mar. 28, 2025 | Referred to the Subcommittee on Forestry and Horticulture. |
| Mar. 10, 2025 | Introduced in House |
| Mar. 10, 2025 | Referred to the Committee on Natural Resources, and in addition to the Committee on Agriculture, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned. |
Corporate Lobbying
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