BLM temporarily sets aside lands while considering three proposed solar energy projects in Western Arizona

 PHOENIX – The Bureau of Land Management is temporarily setting aside from potential incompatible uses roughly 11,560 acres of public lands in La Paz County associated with three proposed solar energy projects. Upon publication of a notice in the Federal Register this week, the lands are withdrawn from the public land laws for two years, including location under the Mining Law, but not the Mineral Leasing Act or the Materials Act, subject to valid existing rights.

The proposed Socorro Solar project area includes approximately 3,920 acres near the Town of Quartzsite; the proposed Parker Solar project area includes approximately 1,960 acres near the Town of Parker; and the proposed Eagle Eye Solar project area includes approximately 5,680 acres near unincorporated Wenden.

“These protections ensure that evaluation and potential development of the renewable energy proposal is not hindered by incompatible land use proposals or filings during the environmental analysis and application review process.” said Mark Morberg, BLM Arizona Deputy State Director for Lands, Minerals, Energy, & Cadastral Survey.

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.