Arizona 2013 RDEP

 Full Resource Map

The Restoration Design Energy Project (RDEP) was developed to:

• identify geographic areas best suited for renewable energy,
• establish land reuse goals, and
• identify design features to protect resource values and uses.

The RDEP amended the following land use plans in Arizona: Arizona Strip Field Office RMP; Bradshaw-Harquahala RMP; Kingman Resource Area RMP; Lake Havasu RMP; Lower Sonoran RMP; Phoenix RMP; Safford RMP; and Yuma RMP.

The RDEP identified:

1. 192,100 acres of Renewable Energy Development Areas (REDAs) in Arizona (defined as designated leasing areas [DLAs] in the 2017 updates to right-of-way [ROW] regulations), areas where solar and wind energy development is likely to be compatible with resource objectives; and
2. 2,500 acre Agua Caliente SEZ where utility-scale solar energy development may be considered and could be approved without a plan amendment.

In addition to incorporating the best management practices (BMPs) of the Wind PEIS ROD and design features of the Solar PEIS ROD, the RDEP includes a suite of design features specific to Arizona that establish the minimum specifications for managing individual renewable energy projects and mitigating adverse impacts. Appropriate design features must be incorporated into project-specific plans of development, plans of operation, and ROW grants.

Additional information is available about the permitting process for solar energy projects within DLAs, including REDAs.