Proponents tell House co-locating solar and wind on existing leaseholds could add hundreds of gigawatts

Proponents of the Co-location Energy Act said the bill would make better use of existing federal leaseholds by allowing solar and wind where operators consent, reducing new land disturbance and speeding project approvals in appropriate cases.

Dr. Adam Met of Planet Reimagined testified that co-location is feasible on millions of acres already leased for oil, gas and geothermal development and that, if fully implemented, those sites could support large additional renewable capacity. "Across the West, these sites can generate an additional 406 gigawatts of energy," Met said, adding that co-location reuses roads and grid connections and can be done in partnership with leaseholders and local communities.

The bill directs the Department of the Interior to create transparent criteria and consider categorical exclusions for low-impact co-location activities on previously disturbed lands; supporters say that clarity would reduce delays without weakening environmental standards. Industry and state officials from Utah and Wyoming described site-mapping work and community interest in pilot co-location projects.

Opponents cautioned that co-location must preserve leaseholder rights, avoid conflicts with existing operations and maintain full environmental review where needed. The BLM told the committee it already has authority to approve overlapping uses but recommended technical review of the bill’s language.

The committee pressed for clear frameworks to ensure existing leaseholders retain consent rights and that environmental reviews remain robust where new impacts are plausible. The hearing produced no final votes.