REPI funds are used to support a variety of DoD partnerships that promote compatible /
recommended land use. By relieving encroachment pressures, the military is able to test
and train in a more effective and efficient manner. By preserving the land surrounding
military installations, habitats for plant and animal species are conserved and protected.
Department of Defense Energy Siting Clearinghouse
Section 358 of the 2011 National Defense Authorization Act sanctioned the study of the
effects of new construction and obstructions on military installations and operations.
The Energy Siting Clearinghouse serves to coordinate the DoD review of existing
applications for energy projects. Several key elements of Section 358 include designation
of a senior official and lead organization to conduct the review of energy project
applications, a specific timeframe for completion of a hazard assessment associated with
an application (30 days), specific criteria for DoD objections to projects, and a
requirement that the Clearinghouse provide an annual status report to Congress. This
legislation establishes procedural certainty and a predictable process that promotes
compatibility between alternative energy development and military capability.
The DoD Siting Clearinghouse conducts a formal review when required by Section 44718
of Title 49 in the U.S. Code and for projects within military training routes or special use
airspace. Developers must file a completed application with the Secretary of
Transportation to begin the formal review. The DoD Siting Clearinghouse then submits
the application to any DoD organization that may be impacted by the development. The
DoD organization then must provide their comments and recommendations no later than
20 days after receiving the application. Within 30 days of receiving the application, the
DoD Siting Clearinghouse must evaluate all comments and recommendation to
determine if the proposed project will either have no impact, will have an adverse impact
that is sufficiently attenuated, or will have an adverse impact that needs to be mitigated.
When a determination is made that the proposed development will have an adverse
impact, the applicant must discuss the possibility of mitigation within five days of
receiving the notification. If an action that removes any adverse impact of the proposed
project is agreed upon, the application is amended and resubmitted to the Secretary of
Transportation. If an agreement regarding mitigation is not reached and the DoD Siting
Clearinghouse determines that the proposed project would result in an unacceptable risk
to national security, then that recommendation is submitted to the senior official. If the
senior official also determines the risk is unacceptable, that recommendation is also
submitted to the senior officer. If the senior officer determines the risk is unacceptable,
the senior officer must identify which of the three criteria in Section 211.3 of the
U.S. Code creates the unacceptable risk to national security and convey that
determination to the Secretary of Transportation.
4-6
Planning & Compatibility Tools