Adam Met, a member of the pop band AJR, has proposed a novel approach to expedite the development of wind and solar projects in the United States: utilizing state and federal lands already approved for oil and gas production. This plan aims to bypass the lengthy permitting process typically associated with renewable energy projects and has gained bipartisan support from lawmakers. Met’s advocacy for environmental issues stems from his experiences touring the world with his band and witnessing the effects of climate change firsthand. With encouragement from the Interior Department, Met’s team is moving forward with plans to facilitate pilot projects in seven states, aiming to match oil and gas developers with renewable energy companies. However, some experts question whether this approach may inadvertently benefit fossil fuel interests and whether the government has the capacity to oversee such projects effectively. Additionally, while the Bay Area leads the nation in electric vehicle registrations, disparities in access to public charging infrastructure persist, particularly in lower-income and minority neighborhoods.

https://www.nytimes.com/2024/03/12/climate/a-pop-stars-wonky-climate-campaign.html