BLM considers proposed Greenlink North Transmission Project in Nevada

The Bureau of Land Management is seeking public input on potential land use plan amendments for the proposed Greenlink North Transmission Project, will be preparing environmental impact statement. The project is in line with the Biden-Harris administration’s priority of environmentally responsible siting of infrastructure to support a fully carbon-free electricity sector by 2035.

In May 2023, the BLM published an initial Notice of Intent for the Greenlink North Transmission Project. Today’s action is necessary because BLM must evaluate proposed amendments to the 2015 Greater Sage-Grouse Plan and associated resource management plans to potentially create a 208-mile utility corridor between Ely and Yerington, Nevada. 

Publication of the Notice of Intent in tomorrow’s Federal Register begins an additional 30-day scoping period, during which BLM will take public comments on issues and resource information to be analyzed in the plan amendments and environmental impact statement. BLM will host one virtual scoping meeting; information on the virtual meeting will be posted on the BLM National NEPA Register at least 15 days prior to the meeting date.

“The most helpful comments include potential local concerns and opportunities related to the proposed action, identification of potential alternatives and issues to be analyzed, possible measures to minimize or avoid adverse environmental impacts, information about historic and cultural resources within the area that may be affected, and any other information relevant to the proposed action,” said Gregory Helseth, Renewable Energy Branch Chief for BLM Nevada.

The proposed project would cross through White Pine, Eureka, Lander, Churchill, and Lyon counties in Nevada, providing a 200-foot-wide right-of-way along the length of the proposed 525-kilovolt transmission lines and 160-foot-wide right-of-way along the length of the proposed 345-kilovolt transmission lines. Accommodating construction activities would require a 600-foot-wide temporary right-of-way for the proposed transmission lines. The project would involve the following components:

• The Fort Churchill to Robinson Summit 525-kilovolt transmission line;

• A 525/230-kilovolt collector station in Lander; and

• Expansion of the Robinson Summit 525/345-kilovolt substation.

Written comments may be mailed to the BLM Nevada State Office, Attn: Brian Buttazoni, Project Manager, telephone (775) 861-6491; 1340 Financial Boulevard, Reno, NV 89502. Comments may also be submitted through the “Participate Now” function at the BLM National NEPA Register.