Large-scale renewable energy projects require extensive transmission lines, and often must pass through state trust lands. Commissioner Garcia Richard implemented the Cultural Properties Protection Rule in December 2022 to improve tribal consultation and require cultural surveys before ground disturbing activities can occur on state trust lands. This rule has helped identify portions of projects that may threaten sensitive cultural resources, and has provided a process for the State Land Office and renewable energy companies to find alternate transmission routes through state trust lands that still satisfy a project’s goals when necessary.