Summary

Authorizes the Secretary of the Interior to allow evaluation, construction, and operation of solar or wind energy systems on areas of existing federal energy leases, easements, or rights-of-way issued or renewed on or before enactment, but only with the leaseholder’s consent. Requires the Secretary to decide within 180 days whether those co-located activities (and similar activities on unleased areas) qualify for a categorical exclusion under NEPA and to issue a rule implementing the authority. No new funding is specified; the authority builds on existing Interior statutes governing federal land and energy management and directs a rulemaking and a NEPA categorical-exclusion determination within a 180-day deadline.

• Authorizes Interior to allow solar or wind systems on areas of pre-existing federal energy leases, with the leaseholder’s consent.
• Applies to leases, easements, and rights-of-way issued or renewed on or before enactment under the Mineral Leasing Act or Geothermal Steam Act.
• Requires a NEPA categorical exclusion determination within 180 days for co-located activities and similar unleased-area activities.
• Directs the Secretary to issue an implementing rule to govern the permitting/authorization of co-located renewable systems.
• Does not appropriate funds or create direct new federal spending programs.
• Does not permit co-location over a leaseholder’s objection—leaseholder consent is mandatory.
• Builds on existing Interior land and energy authorities rather than creating a new agency or program.
• Focuses procedural actions (rulemaking and NEPA determination) rather than substantive standards or incentives.