Segregation of Lands-Renewable Energy

The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) is issuing this interim temporary final rule (Interim Rule) to amend the BLM's regulations found in 43 CFR parts 2090 and 2800 by adding provisions allowing the BLM to temporarily segregate from the operation of the public land laws, by publication of a Federal Register notice, public lands included in a pending or future wind or solar energy generation right- of-way (ROW) application, or public lands identified by the BLM for a potential future wind or solar energy generation ROW authorization under the BLM's ROW regulations, in order to promote the orderly administration of the public lands. If segregated under this rule, such lands will not be subject to appropriation under the public land laws, including location under the Mining Law of 1872 (Mining Law), but not the Mineral Leasing Act of 1920 (Mineral Leasing Act) or the Materials Act of 1947 (Materials Act), subject to valid existing rights, for a period of up to 2 years. This Interim Rule is effective immediately upon publication in the Federal Register for a period not to exceed 2 years after publication, but public comments received within 60 days of the publication of this rule will be considered by the BLM. Any necessary changes will be made to the Interim Rule. The BLM is also publishing in today's Federal Register a proposed rule that would make this segregation authority permanent. At the completion of the notice and comment rulemaking process for the proposed rule, or at the end of 2 years, whichever occurs first, this Interim Rule will expire.