The CEC entered into a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the BLM in August 2007 to create a joint process for completing solar applications on BLM land (Joint Processes Flowchart). The two processes require similar information from the developer, public participation opportunities, consultation with relevant agencies, and environmental analysis. There are differences in that CEC analyzes the engineering of a project and the BLM considers alternatives under the NEPA. The goal of the MOU is to have a single process with joint workshops, meetings, and environmental analysis in order to streamline and expedite the application process.
As a CEC staff member said, "They're [the processes] similar but different. BLM has their plan of development that has to be submitted, and it's more general than the Energy Commission [requirements]... We [the Energy Commission] also evaluate the engineering of the project and we also do socioeconomics of the project. So it's more than just environmental. So our processes are similar. BLM has a little more [required by NEPA], we've incorporated theirs but they have sections on recreation and alternatives that are different between the two processes so we use the BLM more, if you would. BLM has more info required in their alternatives analysis than the CEQA does and we expand the alternatives to cover that. So we've merged the two processes to come up with a document that covers everything."
The agencies have combined the CEC's informational hearing and site visit with the BLM's public scoping meeting. During the joint NEPA/CEQA process, the BLM is responsible for preparing the Purpose of Need, the NEPA alternatives, and Native American consultation. The CEC is responsible for preparing an environmental and engineering assessment of the project. However, there will be separate permits issued by each agency, a ROD from BLM and a PMPD from CEC.
