43 USC 3002 - Program to improve eligible project permit coordination

View all text of Chapter 48 [§ 3001 - § 3006]

§ 3002. Program to improve eligible project permit coordination

(a) Establishment

(b) Memorandum of understanding

(1) In general

Not later than 180 days after December 27, 2020, the Secretary shall enter into a memorandum of understanding for purposes of this section with—

(A) the Secretary of Agriculture;

(B) the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency; and

(2) State and tribal participation

(1) In general

Not later than 30 days after the date on which the memorandum of understanding under subsection (b) is executed, all Federal signatories, as appropriate, shall identify for each of the Bureau of Land Management Renewable Energy Coordination Offices one or more employees who have expertise in the regulatory issues relating to the office in which the employee is employed, including, as applicable, particular expertise in—

(A) consultation regarding, and preparation of, biological opinions under section 1536 of title 16;

(B) permits under section 1344 of title 33;

(D) the Federal Land Policy and Management Act of 1976 (43 U.S.C. 1701 et seq.);

(E) the Migratory Bird Treaty Act (16 U.S.C. 703 et seq.);

(F) the preparation of analyses under the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (42 U.S.C. 4321 et seq.);

(G) implementation of the requirements of section 306108 of title 54 (formerly known as section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act);

(H) planning under section 472a of title 16;

(I) developing geothermal resources under the Geothermal Steam Act of 1970 (30 U.S.C. 1001 et seq.);

(J) the Act of June 8, 1940 (16 U.S.C. 668 et seq., popularly known as the Bald and Golden Eagle Protection Act); and

(K) section 100101(a), chapter 1003, and sections 100751(a), 100752, 100753 and 102101 of title 54 (previously known as the National Park Service Organic Act).

(2) Duties

Each employee assigned under paragraph (1) shall—

(A) be responsible for addressing all issues relating to the jurisdiction of the home office or agency of the employee; and

(B) participate as part of the team of personnel working on proposed energy projects, planning, monitoring, inspection, enforcement, and environmental analyses.

(d) Additional personnel

(e) Transfer of funds

To facilitate the coordination and processing of eligible project permits on Federal land under the Renewable Energy Coordination Offices, the Secretary may authorize the expenditure or transfer of any funds that are necessary to—

(1) the United States Fish and Wildlife Service;

(2) the Bureau of Indian Affairs;

(3) the Forest Service;

(4) the Corps of Engineers;

(5) the National Park Service;

(6) the Environmental Protection Agency; or

(7) the Department of Defense.

(f) Report to Congress

(1) In general

(2) Inclusions

Each report under this subsection shall include—

(A) projections for renewable energy production and capacity installations; and

(B) a description of any problems relating to leasing, permitting, siting, or production.

(Pub. L. 116–260, div. Z, title III, § 3102, Dec. 27, 2020, 134 Stat. 2514.)