NEW ENERGY FOR FEDERAL LANDS

U.S. seeks to spur renewable energy on public lands
Ayesha Rascoe (w/Tom Doggett and Christian Wiessner), March 12, 2009 (Reuters)

"The U.S. Interior Department on Wednesday said it has created a special task force to speed the development of renewable energy projects on federal lands…

"The task force will identify specific zones on public lands where the department can act rapidly to create large-scale production of solar, wind, geothermal and biomass energy…"

Federal lands. (click to enlarge)

"The department will have to coordinate its efforts with other government agencies involved with energy and electricity transmission policy, including the Energy Department and the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission.

"Interior is also moving forward with finalizing regulations for offshore renewable energy production, but the department will have to work with FERC to sort out which agency is responsible for issuing permits for offshore wind energy…

"The department manages one-fifth of the U.S. landmass and over 1.7 billion offshore acres…Environmental groups applauded the department's decision to make renewable energy a priority."