We’re at a crucial turning point in our state's energy future. With the Bureau of Land Management’s (BLM) proposed Renewable Energy Rule and revision of the 2012 Western Solar Plan on the horizon, we have a unique opportunity to seize the immense potential of renewable energy development on our public lands for the benefit of Nevada’s communities, economy and ecological integrity.

Luckily, BLM’s proposed Renewable Energy Rule, updates to the 2012 Western Solar Plan and recent Public Lands Rule — taken together — represent a coordinated effort from BLM to promote responsible wind and solar development on our shared public lands, prioritizing lands with the lowest likelihood for conflict with habitat, cultural resources and community values, and offsetting unavoidable impacts of renewable energy projects. 

In conjunction with the proposed Renewable Energy Rule that helps put wind and solar development on more equal footing with oil and gas, the updated Western Solar Plan will provide a strategic roadmap to guide solar development on public lands across the West. Updating the plan for the first time since its release reflects BLM’s commitment to addressing new challenges and opportunities in the renewable energy sector.

Of particular significance is BLM's consideration of eliminating variance areas — areas where development is neither incentivized nor fully excluded. This move could steer renewable energy development away from areas with potential impacts on wildlife habitat, cultural sites or other values, and toward priority areas instead.

This can also ease local opposition — such as the Nye County moratorium on solar projects — and strike a balance between renewable energy deployment and conservation. This is no easy task, but by prioritizing meaningful community and tribal engagement, we can ensure that all voices are heard and respected in this process. 

The third element of BLM's comprehensive approach to renewable energy development on public lands is the compensatory mitigation framework proposed in the BLM’s Public Lands Rule. This framework offers conservation leases to offset potential impacts of wind and solar projects on wildlife and habitat. Such innovative approaches can help ensure that our renewable energy endeavors are economically viable and environmentally responsible.

Nevada has the potential to lead the nation in renewable energy development, creating jobs, reducing emissions and securing our energy independence. While Nevada is in a uniquely advantageous position to transform its energy landscape with BLM’s renewable energy overhaul, this potential must be nurtured with a comprehensive policy approach that benefits local communities.

As we move forward, a just transition to renewable energy for Western communities will require policies that share revenues with local communities and provide local benefits.

It is essential that BLM urgently move forward with the Renewable Energy Rule proposal and Western Solar Plan revision. Combined with BLM’s proposed Public Lands Rule, these policies should serve as a coordinated, thoughtful approach to making public lands part of the climate solution. By embracing responsible renewable energy on public lands while supporting conservation, we are investing in a cleaner, more sustainable tomorrow for all Nevadans. 

Jose Witt is the Mojave Desert landscape director for The Wilderness Society and Nevadan for more than 30 years.