Land segregation announced for Esmeralda Solar Projects
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TONOPAH, NV – The Bureau of Land Management Tonopah Field Office announced a two-year segregation of 118,630.9 acres addressed in seven proposed solar projects in Esmeralda County, Nevada, approximately 23 miles southwest of Tonopah and 12 miles west of Silver Peak, in Big Smoky Valley.
This Notice of Segregation will set aside the identified lands for two years from appropriation under the public land laws, including location under the Mining Law, but not the Mineral Leasing Act or the Materials Act, subject to valid existing rights.
“Segregations help facilitate the orderly administration of public lands while we carefully examine projects and consider the development of renewable energy resources in line with the nation’s priorities,” said Perry Wickham, Tonopah Field Office Manager. “Using this temporary segregation authority gives us the time and space we need to make a thoughtful decision on the proposed rights-of-way.”
The segregation for these lands is effective July 27, 2022. The termination of segregation would occur at the earliest of the following dates: upon issuance of a decision by the authorized officer granting, granting with modifications, or denying the application for a right-of-way; without further administrative action at the end of the segregation provided for in the Federal Register notice initiating the segregation; or upon publication of a Federal Register notice terminating the segregation.
For more information, please contact Perry B. Wickham, Field Manager, Tonopah Field Office, at 775- 482-7801.
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.