Public Land Renewable Energy Development Act of 2025

This bill promotes more wind and solar projects on public lands and explains how the money from those projects will be shared and used. Starting in 2026, money from project fees and payments is split four ways—25% to the state, 25% to the local county or counties, 25% to speed up permit processing for renewable projects, and 25% to a new conservation fund. County payments are on top of normal federal “payments in lieu of taxes” that counties already receive.

The conservation fund can support wildlife habitat and corridor restoration, protect streams and wetlands in areas affected by wind or solar development, and improve public access to federal lands and waters, working with willing landowners. Funds can go to Federal, State, local, and Tribal agencies, and the Interior Department may partner with State and Tribal agencies and nonprofits to carry out these projects.

Some older projects that applied before December 19, 2016 can keep paying under the earlier rent and fee rules unless the owner agrees to different terms.

• Who is affected: States and counties with wind or solar projects on federal land; Federal, State, local, and Tribal agencies; owners of certain older projects .
• What changes: Revenue is shared 25/25/25/25; a conservation fund is created for habitat, water, and public access; permitting is sped up for renewable projects; some older projects keep earlier fee rules .
• When: The new revenue-sharing rules begin January 1, 2026.