A coalition of Western Republican senators has urged the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) to reconsider a proposed solar development plan that would open 22 million acres for commercial-scale projects. The senators, led by Sen. Jim Risch (R-Idaho), argue that expanding solar power should not be done at the complete expense of existing multiple uses, such as livestock grazing. The proposed update to BLM’s “Western Solar Plan” would designate 22 million federal lands in 11 states as suitable for solar development and allow for streamlined permitting. The goal is to lead developers to build projects on lands with high solar-power potential and low natural resource conflicts.

Solar Dominates US Energy Capacity Growth
The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) has published data showing that solar accounted for over 75% of US electrical generating







