By Kari Williamson

Existing regulations limit the competitive process to procedures for responding to overlapping right-of-way applications. The BLM is seeking input on how best to offer public lands for solar and wind power through a nomination and competitive process instead of just by right-of-way application.

The BLM says it intends to evaluate ways to establish competitive bidding procedures for lands within designated solar and wind energy development leasing areas, define qualifications for potential bidders, and structure the financial arrangements necessary for the process.

"The renewable energy resources on America's public lands are enormous,” says BLM Director Bob Abbey. “The competitive options we are evaluating are part of our commitment to improving the process by which we provide access for responsible renewable energy development while providing a fair return for the use of the public lands."