New rule could secure development of new solar energy systems

Obama administration announces new rule that will allow clean energy projects to be developed on public land

While Donald Trump may have been elected the next President of the United States, Barack Obama will hold this office until January of 2017. As his term as president comes to a close, Obama intends to secure a brighter future for solar energy. The Obama administration has introduced a new rule that is designed to boost the development of solar energy projects, as well as other clean power projects, in California.

California continues to be a leading solar energy market

The state is already home to a very prominent and healthy solar energy market. California is well known as a longstanding supporter of clean power, though some forms of renewable energy have struggled to find a foothold in the state. The new rule may help change this, as it will create a new leasing program on public lands, giving solar developers another avenue through which they can bring their projects to fruition. As a result, the solar energy market is expected to receive a boost in the coming months and years.

Rule aims to encourage the development of new clean energy projects

The new rule is designed to encourage the development of clean energy projects. The issue, however, is that the rule may be repealed by Donald Trump’s upcoming energy plans. Trump has shown relatively little support for the solar energy market, opting instead to support natural gas and coal. While his energy plan has not yet been revealed in full, it could have major implications for the clean energy space as a whole.

Energy projects that generate 20,000 MW of electricity to be approved through new rule

The Interior Department, which instituted the new rule, has been tasked with granting approval to energy projects that generate 20,000 megawatts or more. These projects will be developed on public land by 2020. These energy projects will be able to generate enough electricity to power approximately 7 million average homes. The public land made available through the new rule will not only be available in California, but projects will be approved for development in Arizona, Colorado, Nevada, New Mexico, and Utah.