BLM announces approval of $2.5 billion renewable energy transmission and water pipeline in Riverside County, California
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MORENO VALLEY, Calif. – In advancing the Administration's goals of promoting America’s energy independence and supporting infrastructure needs, the Bureau of Land Management announced today the approval of a transmission line and water pipeline project associated with the licensed Eagle Crest Energy Hydroelectric Pumped Storage Project in Riverside County.
The BLM decision authorizes a right-of-way for the construction, operation, maintenance and decommissioning of a 500kV, 12-mile transmission line and water supply pipeline on BLM-managed public lands near Desert Center, approximately 30 miles west of Blythe.
"Our public lands provide for a wide variety of uses, including opportunities to facilitate secure, American-generated energy to our local communities, says Doug Herrema, BLM Palm Springs-South Coast Field Manager. “This right-of-way is anticipated to transmit hydroelectric energy to power 900,000 homes in California each year.”
The Eagle Crest Energy Hydroelectric Pumped Storage Project was approved by the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission in 2014 and will provide electricity from renewable sources for communities in southern California. The 2.5 billion-dollar project is estimated to create 4,300 jobs during construction and 360 jobs annually during operation.
For more information about the project and to view the BLM Decision Record online, please visit: https://goo.gl/A8VEV5.
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.