BLM to conduct virtual public information forum for the proposed Taurus Wind and Snake River Solar projects in south central Idaho
SHOSHONE, Idaho – The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Twin Falls District’s, Shoshone Field Office will host a virtual information forum on Tuesday, Jan. 28, 2025, from 5-8 p.m., to gather public input on the Taurus Wind and Snake River Solar projects proposed by Arevia Power. The two projects are proposed on approximately 53,803 acres of BLM-managed public land in Gooding, Jerome, and Lincoln counties.
This information forum is part of the BLM’s pre-application process for renewable energy project applicants. This process requires applicants to submit a Renewable Energy Factors Analysis Report (REFAR) to help the BLM determine the appropriateness of the proposal and assign the proposed project a priority ranking to further determine if a project would advance into National Environmental Planning Act (NEPA) processing. Arevia Power will present an overview of their REFARS for this informational forum. It’s important to note that a favorable determination in the pre-NEPA assessment process does not constitute approval of the proposed projects. It simply allows the BLM to continue processing the application and initiate the NEPA process.
“We look forward to feedback on both of these proposed renewable energy projects,” said BLM Acting Shoshone Field Manager Lisa Cresswell. “Hearing from the public and our partners in local, state, federal and Tribal governments provides critical information to support the BLM’s review as we decide how to move forward with these rights-of-way applications.”
The virtual forum will begin with a presentation about the Taurus Wind and Snake River Solar projects, and then finish with time for public feedback. If interested in attending, please register at https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_BqaaHID9T8WbAo2N5H2UTw.
Arevia Power has applied to the BLM for two separate rights-of-way, constituting two standalone projects, both of which are proposed to be located between the cities of Gooding and Shoshone. The first application is for the construction, operation and maintenance and eventual decommissioning of the Taurus Wind Project, a 500-megawatt wind energy generation facility. The second application is for the construction, operation and maintenance and decommissioning of the Snake River Energy Solar Project, a 400-megawatt solar energy generation facility and infrastructure. Both projects would share a 550-megawatt battery energy storage facility and transmission line to the Midpoint Substation. The Taurus Wind project area is proposed to be located on approximately 49,194 acres, and the Snake River Energy Solar project area is anticipated to be located on approximately 4,609 acres.
The most valuable feedback would help the proponent and the BLM identify local concerns, potential conflicts and/or opportunities related to the proposed projects. Input about types of use within the proposed area, such as recreational activities and opportunities and other factors, would also be helpful.
Comments may be submitted electronically BLM_ID_TaurusWindREFAR@blm.gov or BLM_ID_SnakeRiverEnergyREFAR@blm.gov and will be accepted until Feb. 7, 2025.
More information about Arevia Power may be found at www.areviapower.com.
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The BLM manages more than 245 million acres of public land located primarily in 12 western states, including Alaska, on behalf of the American people. The BLM also administers 700 million acres of sub-surface mineral estate throughout the nation. Our mission is to sustain the health, diversity, and productivity of America’s public lands for the use and enjoyment of present and future generations.