The BLM project is unique to Arizona, but supporters said it is being looked at for other parts of the country. A similar effort has been launched across the West by the bureau.The Arizona report looked for lands that could become Renewable Energy Development Areas (REDA) for solar and wind energy projects. The option recommended Friday identified agency lands that are either within five miles of points of demand – such as cities or towns – or of utility corridors and existing transmission lines that could carry energy to market.
The draft environmental impact statement issued Friday opened a three-month public comment period, but the plan was already getting praise Monday from clean-energy industry officials. Setting aside land for clean energy is good for the state, said Michael Neary, the executive director of the Arizona Solar Energy Industries Association.
Environmentalists also backed the BLM plan, which one said will help Arizona fulfill its potential as a solar energy provider.
“We’re obviously excited to see the BLM and Obama administration taking renewable energy development seriously,” said Bret Fanshaw, spokesman for Environment Arizona, “especially in a place where it makes a lot of sense like Arizona, where the sun shines every day.”Fanshaw said Arizona is behind states like New Jersey, citing a March report by the Solar Energy Industries Association that said New Jersey had 14 percent of the nation’s installed solar capacity in 2010 to Arizona’s 6 percent.
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