Rep. Mike Levin’s Legislation to Promote Renewable Energy Development Passes House

Washington, D.C – Today, the House of Representatives passed Rep. Mike Levin’s (D-CA) bipartisan Public Land Renewable Energy Development Act as part of the America COMPETES Act. Rep. Levin’s legislation will combat the climate crisis and help America lead in clean energy by promoting the development of wind, solar, and geothermal energy on public lands in an environmentally responsible way. The bill includes measures to facilitate investment in high quality renewable sources, ensure a fair revenue share for impacted communities, and minimize impacts to wildlife and cultural sites.

The America COMPETES Act strengthens our global competitiveness by investing in American manufacturing of semiconductors, strengthening the supply chain, and bolstering America’s leadership in science and technology. Major provisions include $52 billion to incentivize private investment in semiconductor manufacturing by American companies and $45 billion to invest in our national supply chain and prevent shortages of critical products.
 
“Expanding renewable energy development is critical not just in fighting climate change, but also enabling the United States to be a global leader in the clean energy industry,” said Rep. Levin. “We cannot afford to let China and other global competitors take the lead in manufacturing renewable energy technology that will define the 21st century. With the Public Land Renewable Energy Development Act and the America COMPETES Act, the United States can lead in clean energy and reap the economic rewards. I’m proud to see this legislation pass the House and will continue to fight for its passage in the Senate.”
 
The Public Land Renewable Energy Development Act would ensure a fair return for impacted states and communities and directs revenues to fund conservation. In addition, the bill incentivizes development in lower-conflict priority areas, while ensuring impacts to wildlife, habitat, and cultural resources are avoided and minimized.
 
The bill establishes a revenue sharing mechanism ensuring a fair return for relevant stakeholders. The revenue sharing mechanism will distribute certain revenues derived through the bill by returning 25 percent to the state where development occurs, 25 percent to the counties of origin, 25 percent deposited into a fund for sportsmen and conservation purposes, and 25 percent directed for the purposes of more efficiently processing permit applications and reducing the backlog of renewable energy permits.
 
The following organizations have endorsed the bill: The Wilderness Society, American Clean Power, Natural Resources Defense Council, Solar Energy Industries Association, EDF Renewables, Ormat Technologies Inc, Trout Unlimited, National Association of Counties, Backcountry Hunters & Anglers, Theodore Roosevelt Conservation Partnership, and Outdoor Alliance.