BLM to conduct public information forum for Samantha Solar Project

ELY, Nev. – The Bureau of Land Management Ely District, Bristlecone Field Office will host an information forum on Aug. 19, 2024, to gather public input on the Samantha Solar Project proposed in a solar variance area on approximately 2,891 acres of BLM-managed land in White Pine County, approximately 15 miles west of Ely, Nev. The public input period will conclude Sept. 19, 2024.

“We look forward to the public’s feedback on the proposed Samantha Solar Project application,” said Robbie McAboy, BLM Ely District Manager. “Public input, as well as that of our partners in local, state, federal and Tribal governments, provides BLM with critical information as we determine how to proceed with this right-of-way application.”

The public information forum is scheduled from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m., Monday, Aug. 19, 2024, at the Bristlecone Convention Center, 150 Sixth Street, in Ely, Nev. The forum will begin with a short presentation on the solar variance process and Samantha Solar Project, will continue with a question-and-answer session, and finish with a public input period. The meeting will be held in person with an online component via Google Meet. Anyone who would like to join online can do so at https://meet.google.com/gib-rmst-tuy or dial1-539-302-2256 and enter PIN: 205973169#

Balanced Rock, LLC has applied for a right-of-way grant for the construction, operation and eventual decommissioning of a proposed 600-megawatt (MW) alternating current solar facility, including battery energy storage and interconnection to the regional transmission system, on BLM-managed land. The information forum is being held as part of the solar variance application process. Information gathered during the public input period will inform BLM’s determination on whether to continue to process the Samantha Solar Project right-of-way application.

The BLM considers right-of-way applications for utility-scale solar energy development in variance areas by reviewing environmental considerations; coordinating with appropriate federal, state, and local agencies and Tribes; and conducting public outreach. More information about the Samantha Solar Project, including proposed project information and BLM’s review process, can be found at https://samanthasolarproject.com.

Public comments that would be the most helpful are those that identify potential local concerns, barriers, and/or opportunities related to the proposed project. Input about types of use within the proposed area, like recreational activities and opportunities and other factors would also be helpful at this time.

Written input may be submitted to the BLM Bristlecone Field Office, 702 North Industrial Way, Ely, NV 89301, Attn: Samantha Solar Project. Submit comments electronically at https://eplanning.blm.gov/eplanning-ui/project/2033883/510. Public input on the variance application will be accepted until Sept. 19, 2024.

Before including your address, phone number, email address, or other personal identifying information in your comment, you should be aware that your entire comment – including your personal identifying information – may be made publicly available at any time. While you can ask us in your comment to withhold your personal identifying information from public review, we cannot guarantee that we will be able to do so.

The BLM manages vast stretches of public lands that have the potential to make significant contributions to the nation’s renewable energy portfolio. To promote the development of these energy sources, the BLM provides sites for environmentally sound development of renewable energy on public lands. The efficient deployment of renewable energy from our nation’s public lands is crucial in achieving the Biden-Harris administration’s goal of a carbon pollution-free power sector by 2035, as well as Congress’ direction in the Energy Act of 2020 to permit 25 gigawatts of solar, wind, and geothermal production on public lands no later than 2025.