The United States Bureau of Land Management has reversed itself on a freeze it implented on solar development on public lands. The moratorium had been announced just a month ago, but public pressure forced the agency to undo the decision.  Thus, the government will continue to accept applications for plants to be built across the West (official website for the project here).

The freeze came on May 29, when, if you recall, the energy crisis wasn’t really doing any better. The Bureau had stated it would not accept applications for solar power plants until a study had been done on the environemntal impact of solar power had been concluded, which would take two years. However, The New York Times reports,

[A]mid concerns from the solar power industry, members of Congress and the general public that the freeze would stymie solar development during a particularly critical time for energy policy, the bureau abruptly reconsidered.

“We heard the concerns expressed during the scoping period about waiting to consider new applications, and we are taking action,” the bureau’s director, James Caswell, said in a statement. “By continuing to accept and process new applications for solar energy projects, we will aggressively help meet growing interest in renewable energy sources, while ensuring environmental protections.”

So what we have here is the government listening to environmental activists and changing policy accordingly. Whaaaa? Is this the bizarro U.S.A.? Regardless, on this July 4 weekend, I think this is a decision we can all be proud of our country for.

Alright, that’s enough heartfelt commentary for now. We all know the Fourth of July is REALLY about sleeping in and drinking beer, most likely even an import. But getting back to the story at hand, takepart here to leave a comment for the Bureau to let them know that you support the ongoing development of solar power plants in the United States.