BLM invites comment on proposed solar project in Nevada
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LAS VEGAS – The Bureau of Land Management welcomes public comment on the draft environmental analysis for a new clean energy project proposed on approximately 2,433 acres of BLM-managed public land about 38 miles west of Las Vegas, adjacent to the Clark and Nye County line.
If approved, the Rough Hat Clark County Solar Project would add 400 megawatts of clean solar photovoltaic power to the grid, enough to power over 74,000 homes. The proposed project would also include a 700-megawatt battery energy storage system.
“Public input on this Draft Resource Management Plan Amendment and Environmental Impact Statement is critical as we continue to evaluate the proposed project,” said BLM Las Vegas Field Manager Bruce Sillitoe. “The most useful comments concern the scope of the environmental impact statement analysis, potential alternatives, and identification of relevant information and studies.”
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, as well as Congress’ direction in the Energy Act of 2020 to permit 25 gigawatts of solar, wind, and geothermal production on public lands no later than 2025.
The BLM is currently processing 67 utility-scale onshore clean energy projects proposed on public lands in the western United States. This includes solar, wind, and geothermal projects, as well as gen-tie lines that are vital to clean energy projects proposed on non-federal land. These projects have the combined potential to add more than 37 gigawatts of renewable energy to the western electric grid. The BLM is also undertaking the preliminary review of over 195 applications for solar and wind development, as well as 97 applications for solar and wind energy site area testing.
BLM will host one virtual and one in-person public meeting to discuss the Rough Hat Project:
- In-person meeting in Pahrump, Nevada, on January 30, 2024, 6-8 p.m. PT at the Pahrump Nugget Hotel and Casino, 681 NV-160, Pahrump, NV 89048.
- Virtual meeting on February 1, 2024, 6-8 p.m. PT. Register on the project’s BLM National NEPA Register page.
Written comments may be mailed to the BLM Southern Nevada District Office, Attn: Rough Hat Clark County Solar Project, 4701 N. Torrey Pines Drive, Las Vegas, NV, 89130 or emailed to BLM_NV_SND_EnergyProjects@blm.gov. Comments may also be submitted using the “Participate Now” function at the BLM National NEPA Register project page.
The 90-day comment period will close April 11, 2024. For more information, please contact Whitney Wirthlin, Project Manager, at 725-249-3318 or email BLM_NV_SND_EnergyProjects@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.