Federal Interior Department Investigation Reveals Loose Oversight in BLM's Solar and Wind Energy Application Procedures
The Interior Department's watchdog has released an audit report highlighting deficiencies in the Bureau of Land Management's (BLM) wind and solar program. The audit, dated Tuesday, covers hundreds of project applications from President Donald Trump's first term to most of the Biden administration, spanning the period between 2017 and 2023.
The audit found that for 84% of the 258 applications processed, there was no evidence that the BLM had verified the applicants' technical and financial capabilities. This, along with the fact that the BLM did not properly evaluate project applications, suggests a lack of adequate management oversight.
The Interior Department's inspector general (IG) did not specify what the deficiencies found in the approved projects were. However, the audit revealed that outdated and absent policies and procedures, as well as insufficient training of BLM staff, were contributing factors.
In response, the IG audit included 10 recommendations for implementing new internal control policies and procedures to improve oversight. These recommendations aim to ensure that the BLM verifies applicants' technical and financial capabilities, properly evaluates project applications, and adheres to updated policies and procedures.
It's important to note that the IG audit did not mention any specific projects or applicants. The search results do not provide the names of the persons responsible at the BLM for the review of 258 solar and wind projects between 2017 and 2023.
The audit also did not provide information on the potential consequences of the deficiencies found in the approved projects. The IG audit's findings underscore the need for the BLM to strengthen its oversight and management of wind and solar projects to ensure the integrity of the approval process.
As the push for renewable energy sources continues, it's crucial that the BLM's wind and solar program operates efficiently and effectively. The IG audit's recommendations provide a roadmap for the BLM to improve its internal controls and procedures, ensuring that the renewable energy sector can continue to grow sustainably.
