TUSCON, Ariz. - January 18 - The Department of the Interior and the Arizona Bureau of Land Management jointly announced guidelines for renewable energy development in Arizona. The decision comes as part of the Arizona Restoration Design Energy Project (RDEP), an initiative which has sought to minimize the impact of renewable energy development in Arizona on wildlife and water resources.

The following is a statement from Matt Clark, Defenders of Wildlife Southwest representative:

Large-scale energy development is all about location, and this project is an effective first step to incentivize renewable energy development in areas where impacts to wildlife and water resources can be minimized.  We are encouraged to see the Arizona Bureau of Land Management (BLM) take this approach to future renewable energy siting.

The Restoration Design Energy Project should work to protect sensitive wildlife and the habitats they live in.  We hope that other states will follow the Arizona BLM’s lead.