H.R. 6909

To direct the Secretary of the Interior to give priority to consideration of applications for permits and other authorizations required for renewable energy projects on Federal public land, and for other purposes.

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I

110th CONGRESS

2d Session

H. R. 6909

IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

September 16, 2008

Mr. Porter introduced the following bill; which was referred to the Committee on Natural Resources

A BILL

To direct the Secretary of the Interior to give priority to consideration of applications for permits and other authorizations required for renewable energy projects on Federal public land, and for other purposes.

1.

Renewable energy projects on public lands

(a)

Applications for renewable energy projects on Federal public land

(1)

In general

The Secretary of the Interior—

(A)

shall give priority to consideration of applications for permits and other authorizations required for renewable energy projects on Federal public land;

(B)

shall issue regulations that establish an expedited and efficient process for the submission and consideration of such applications, including projects pending before the Department of the Interior on the date of the enactment of this Act; and

(C)

shall approve or disapprove such an application by not later than 180 days after the date the application is submitted.

(2)

Failure to act on application

If the Secretary fails to approve or disapprove an application in accordance with paragraph (1)(C), the application is deemed approved by the Secretary

(b)

Treatment under National Environmental Policy Act of 1969

For purposes of the National the Environmental Policy Act of 1969 and the regulations under that Act—

(1)

any renewable energy project on Federal public land is deemed to be in the public interest; and

(2)

no statement under section 102(2)(C) of that Act (42 U.S.C. 4332(2)(C)) is required for such a project if an environmental assessment is prepared for the project in accordance with those regulations.

(c)

Lease or sale of Federal public land

(1)

In general

In any lease or sale of Federal public land for use for a renewable energy project, the amount required to be paid to the United States as rent or the purchase price shall not exceed the fair market value of the land before any construction or other improvement of the land for such project.

(2)

Limitation

Paragraph (1) shall not apply with respect to any part of the land that is used for any purpose other than for the renewable energy project.

(d)

Identification of suitable land

The Secretary of the Interior shall promptly identify Federal public land under the administrative jurisdiction of the Secretary that is suitable and feasible for renewable energy projects.