Tester, Daines reintroduce Public Lands Renewable Energy Development Act
Sens. Jon Tester (D-MT) and Steve Daines (R-MT) recently reintroduced their Public Lands Renewable Energy Development Act, which is designed to simplify the process for renewable energy development permitting on public lands.
“This bipartisan bill will allow us to unlock the renewable energy potential that exists on our public lands, invest in conservation efforts, and support local communities,” Tester said. “This is the balance we need to strike to create jobs on our public lands and preserve our Montana way of life.”
The legislation also ensures that funds from energy development go towards conservation efforts. It also
sets up a revenue sharing program to aid communities where development takes place and helps alleviate
the impact of energy development on the environment.
“Promoting renewable energy development is a key part of strengthening our nation’s energy security,” Daines said. “Montana has a diverse energy portfolio and by supporting an all-of-the-above energy mix we can power America for generations to come.”
The legislation was added as an amendment to the Energy Policy Modernization Act and advanced by the Senate last year, but the U.S. House of Representatives did not advance it.
