I am writing to urge you to cosponsor and support the bipartisan Public Lands and Renewable Energy Development Act, H.R. 596/S. 279.

This renewable energy bill would create the framework for more efficient, responsible clean energy development on public lands, while protecting the fish, wildlife, and open spaces we rely on for clean water, hunting, fishing, and other recreation opportunities.

Wind and solar development is needed to stem climate impacts to public land resources, and can be balanced with public land and habitat conservation if done right. H.R. 596/ S. 279 achieves an important balance by directing revenue from renewable energy development on public lands to help local communities and address impacts to the accessibility of fish and wildlife resources. By coupling the creation of a more strategic leasing program for wind and solar energy with a conservation fund to protect wildlife corridors and address development impacts, the bill is a win-win-win for wildlife, sportsmen and local communities, and clean energy.