BLM to host public meetings for SunZia Southwest Transmission Project
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SANTA FE, N.M. – The Bureau of Land Management opens a 30-day public scoping period to collect public comments and identify potential issue of the SunZia Southwest Transmission Project. If approved, this project aims to transport up to 4,500 MW of energy from New Mexico to markets in Arizona and California. The scoping period will end on July 6, 2021.
“We are pleased to give the public an opportunity to provide their input on this project. We invite all interested parties to attend the virtual public scoping meetings to learn about the project and provide comment,” said BLM New Mexico acting Associate State Director Melanie Barnes.
The previously permitted route originates at a planned substation in Torrance County, N.M., and terminates at the existing Pinal Central Substation in Pinal County, Ariz.
A notice of intent has been published in the Federal Register for the proposed SunZia Southwest Transmission Project Environmental Impact Statement and potentially associated Resource Management Plan Amendments which will analyze and disclose environmental impacts associated with the project. The environmental impact statement process provides a formal opportunity for public engagement.
The BLM has scheduled three virtual public meetings. To register for the public meetings, which will be held via the Zoom virtual platform, please visit: https://eplanning.blm.gov/eplanning-ui/project/2011785/510. The meetings will be held on the following dates:
- Tuesday, June 22 at 1-3 PM (MDT)
- Wednesday, June 23 at 6-8 PM (MDT)
- Thursday, June 24 at 6-8 PM (MDT)
To have your comments considered in the draft environmental impact statement, please submit them by July 6, 2021. Comments can be provided in the following ways:
- Submit a verbal comment via the hotline: 1-888-959-2510
- Submit your comments electronically via the ePlanning site: https://eplanning.blm.gov/eplanning-ui/project/2011785/510
- Mail comments to BLM New Mexico State Office at the below address, Attention: SunZia Southwest Transmission Project
Documents pertinent to this proposal may be examined at the BLM New Mexico State Office and BLM Arizona State Office or on the project website at https://eplanning.blm.gov/eplanning-ui/project/2011785/510.
For further information, contact Adrian Garcia, BLM New Mexico State Office, 301 Dinosaur Trail, Santa Fe, New Mexico 87508; phone 505-954-2199; or email agarcia@blm.gov.
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.