BLM to hold virtual information forum on solar proposals
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PHOENIX — The Bureau of Land Management’s Phoenix District will host a virtual information forum on January 20 to share information and receive public input on applications for solar energy development. The Phoenix District has received three right-of-way applications for solar energy development projects on BLM-managed public lands designated as solar variance areas. The three projects are Pinyon Solar, Western Tiger Solar and Vulcan 2 Solar, all in Maricopa County.
The information forum will be held as part of the solar variance application process. Information gathered during the public input period will inform the BLM’s determination on whether to continue to process or to deny the right-of-way applications. If the BLM decides to process an application, it will continue through the National Environmental Policy Act planning process, which will include further public involvement.
The virtual public meeting is scheduled for Thursday, January 20, beginning at 5 p.m. The meeting will be hosted via Zoom and is expected to last about 90 minutes. BLM staff will provide a short introduction followed by presentations from project applicants. Members of the public can provide input on the proposed projects.
To register for the meeting, visit https://blm.zoomgov.com/meeting/register/vJIsduuhrT4pE6rLvgno0WAhXr2jVVyrbfE. The meeting will be recorded and posted to the BLM Arizona YouTube channel.
The BLM considers right-of-way applications for utility-scale solar energy development on a case-by-case basis based on environmental considerations; coordination with appropriate federal, state and local agencies and tribes; and public outreach.
Interested parties may also submit comments via email to BLM_AZ_PDO_Solar@blm.gov or via mail to the Phoenix District Office, Attn: Anthony Daly-Crews, 21605 N. 7th Ave., Phoenix, AZ 85027. Public input will be accepted until January 31, 2022.
Before including your address, phone number, email address, or other personal identifying information in your comment, you should be aware that your entire comment – including your personal identifying information – may be made publicly available at any time. While you can ask us in your comment to withhold your personal identifying information from public review, we cannot guarantee that we will be able to do so.
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, 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 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.