Wind energy is the most likely type of renewable energy to be developed in the Planning Area; however, due to emerging research and technology, other types of renewable energy development may increase during the life of the plan.

With advances in technology, lands with moderate (Class 2 to 3) potential may become more attractive for renewable energy development.

Wind-energy demand and development is expected to increase during the life of the plan related directly to energy prices, national and state policy involving renewable energy, and other factors that encourage demand for and development of renewable energy resources.

Wind-energy development will be in accordance with the BLM Final Programmatic EIS on Wind Energy Development on BLM-Administered Lands in the Western United States, IM 2009-043 (Wind Energy Development Policy) and any future BLM policy or guidance for wind-energy development.

Increased development of wind-energy turbines (or other renewable energy) also would increase the demand for ROW authorizations for transmission lines to distribute produced energy to the grid.

The potential for wind-energy development in the Planning Area will be in direct relation to wind power classification ratings (Map 46), proximity to transmission lines, and impacts to other resources or resource uses (such as visual resources).

For analysis purposes, the percentage of electrical energy generated from wind would increase from 0.8 percent of total generation in 2007 to 2.5 percent by 2030 (EIA 2009).

Because the BLM authorizes facilities and infrastructure associated with wind, solar, and biomass development through ROW grants, the location and development of renewable energy facilities relates directly to the ability of the lands and realty staff to process ROW authorizations.

Management objectives for other resources and resource uses may limit the location and development of wind-energy infrastructure in the Planning area.

Mapping of renewable energy potential (wind power classifications) is based on a large-scale nationwide mapping (BLM 2005a). Site-specific monitoring and testing may indicate areas with higher (or lower) wind-energy potential than previously identified.

Wind-energy development would likely occur in areas open to wind-energy development more than in areas avoided to wind-energy development.

Any wind-energy development would require site-specific NEPA review.