The Bureau of Land Management Approves Yellow Pine Solar Project
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LAS VEGAS – The Trump Administration has continued its commitment to its America First, all-of-the- above approach to domestic energy production as the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) announced today the approval of the Yellow Pine Solar Project. This 3,000-acre project, located 10 miles southeast of Pahrump, will generate $297 million for local economies and is expected to power approximately 100,000 homes.
“This project will get Americans back to work, strengthen the economy, and provide 500 megawatts of renewable energy,” said Angelita Bulletts, BLM Southern Nevada District Manager. “The BLM is proud to approve this project, which will aid the economic development of surrounding communities.”
The Record of Decision (ROD) approves two separate yet connected applications submitted to the BLM Las Vegas Field Office. First, the ROD approves Yellow Pine Solar, LLC’s right-of-way on public land to construct, operate and maintain a proposed solar energy generation station, with approximately 500 megawatts of generating capacity and ancillary facilities including battery storage, known as the Yellow Pine Solar Facility. The ROD also approves GridLiance West, LLC’s right-of-way on public land to construct, operate, and maintain a GridLiance West 230-kilovolt Trout Canyon Substation and associated 230-kilovolt transmission line. These two applications are collectively known as the Yellow Pine Solar Project.
The project will facilitate critical infrastructure investments that will create jobs and economic activity and increase renewable energy, helping to meet Federal and state energy goals. It directly advances policy objectives described in President Trump’s Executive Order 13783, which promotes “clean and safe development of our Nation’s vast energy resources,” and Secretary’s Order 3355 prioritizing infrastructure projects and streamlining the environmental review process.
In the summer of 2018, the BLM received 57 submittals during the 90-day scoping period. During the 45-day public comment period on the draft environmental impact statement, the BLM received 90 submissions. The BLM also conducted government-to-government consultations with the following Tribes: Moapa Band of Paiutes, Las Vegas Paiute Tribe, Fort Mojave Tribe, Twenty-Nine Palms Band of Mission Indians, Chemehuevi Indian Tribe, Bishop Paiute Tribe, Colorado River Indian Tribes and the Timbisha Shoshone Tribe.
The Record of Decision and other relevant documents are available at https://eplanning.blm.gov/eplanning-ui/project/81665/510.
For more information, please contact the acting energy and infrastructure project manager at 702-515-5284.
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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.