Today, Ranking Republican Rob Bishop (R-Utah), U.S. Rep. Paul Gosar (R-Ariz.), U.S. Rep. Mike Levin (D-Calif.), U.S. Rep. Doug LaMalfa (R-Calif.), U.S. Rep. Alan Lowenthal (D-Calif.), U.S. Rep. Scott Tipton (R-Colo.), and U.S. Rep. Jared Huffman (D-Calif.) released the following statements after introducing H.R. 3794, the Public Land Renewable Energy Development Act of 2019, which will increase production of wind, solar, and geothermal energy on public lands while also establishing a revenue sharing mechanism that ensures a fair return for states, counties, sportsmen, conservation and taxpayers. House Committee on Natural Resources Chair Raul Grijalva has also signaled his support for the bill. 

“Supporting all energy resources such as wind, solar, and geothermal ensures a reliable and affordable domestic energy supply while supporting well-paying American jobs. The introduction of the bipartisan Public Lands Renewable Energy Development Act is a step in the right direction. Enabling our public lands to play an important role in the future of renewable energy is a benefit of this new legislation. Streamlining the permitting process for renewable development, establishing revenue sharing for states and local communities, and providing funds for conservation and outdoor access are just a handful of good things this bill seeks to accomplish. I look forward to working with my colleagues across the aisle to steward this legislation across the finish line.” – Ranking Republican Rob Bishop (R-Utah)

"This bipartisan bill will cut red tape standing in the way of developing renewable energy across America's public lands. Taxpayers also benefit as this legislation directs revenues to the Treasury for deficit reduction. Increasing access for sportsmen as well as ensuring counties and states receive adequate revenue for development impacting their communities is a no brainer."

– U.S. Rep. Paul Gosar (R-Ariz.)

"As we work to address climate change and reduce greenhouse gas emissions, it is critical that we embrace renewable energy development. Our federal public lands are ripe for solar, wind, and geothermal energy, and this legislation facilitates important environmentally sound development. I’m proud to introduce this bipartisan legislation and look forward to a hearing on the bill in the coming weeks."

– U.S. Rep. Mike Levin (D-Calif.)

"Americans consider meaningful action on climate change a moral imperative, and this bill turns our public lands into even more of an asset in solving the climate crisis. We need to lead the way to a zero-carbon future and create a new generation of employment opportunities across this nation. Passing this bill is a big part of that equation." - Chair Raul Grijalva (D-Ariz.)

"The United States has many sources of renewable energy that aren’t being harnessed to their full potential because of bureaucratic backlogs and convoluted permitting processes. The bipartisan Public Lands Renewable Energy Development Act helps get the most out of our vast public lands by streamlining the permitting process for accessing unique types of renewable energy sources, such as wind, geothermal, and solar for public land management agencies. This bill will encourage development of renewable energy sources by driving investment and distributing revenue, and it’ll bring America closer to achieving true energy independence."
– U.S. Rep. Doug LaMalfa (R-Calif.)

"With some of the country’s windiest, sunniest, and most geologically active areas, our federal public lands have great potential for renewable energy deployment. This legislation fixes some of the barriers to entry that renewable energy has faced. Updating the permitting, siting, and planning process to fit the needs and realities, PLREDA will more easily allow renewable energy projects to enter into leases on public lands. I am excited to have the opportunity to work with my colleagues on this truly bipartisan effort."

– U.S. Rep. Alan Lowenthal (D-Calif.)

"Rural communities that have large swaths of public lands and rely on royalties from traditional energy resource production to fund schools, roads and other vital projects. This legislation will help spur additional funding for our communities by allowing the rapidly expanding renewable energy market to utilize public lands for production, all while preserving cherished recreation activities, such as hunting , fishing, hiking and biking. Public lands are best managed for multiple use, and I am proud to support that goal with introduction of the Public Land Renewable Energy Development Act." – U.S. Rep. Scott Tipton (R-Colo.)

"America’s public lands can help us cut carbon pollution. Congress can do more to improve renewable energy development siting, and take a much-needed step towards tackling our climate crisis. I’m glad to work with my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to introduce the Public Lands Renewable Energy Development Act to drive renewable energy development, creating jobs and spurring local economies all while protecting sensitive sites." – U.S. Rep. Jared Huffman (D-Calif.)