Oregon Solar + Storage Energy Conference 2024

Over 50% of Oregon is federal land, mostly administered by the U.S. Forest Service or ‎the Bureau of Land Management. Within those lands are many high-potential solar sites. This ‎panel will explore emerging issues in the siting process on federal lands with perspective from ‎practitioners, administrators, and developers.‎ Panel to include: Sara Sayles, Schwabe, Williamson & Wyatt, P.C. – will act as Mmoderator and provide ‎‎/an overview of potential changes to process due to Loper Bright Enterprises v. Raimondo and its ‎effect on agency deference previously analyzed under Chevron.‎ Developer – talk about experience in/desire to engage in solar permitting on federal lands ‎‎(advantages, disadvantages, etc.).‎ BLM Official – context of BLM Public Lands Rule recognizing conservation as an ‎essential component of public lands management, and making it work for solar.‎ Lawson Fite, Schwabe, Williamson & Wyatt, P.C. – Discuss implications of BLM Public ‎Lands Rule and legal challenges to it; can touch on wildlife/NEPA issues as appropriate.‎