BLM announces public meeting and comment period for proposed Cowboy Solar Project
CARLSBAD, N.M. — The Bureau of Land Management is seeking public input on the proposed Cowboy Solar project, which if approved could generate up to 200 megawatts of renewable energy on approximately 2,528 acres of public lands in Eddy County. The BLM will host a virtual public meeting on Thursday, Oct. 3, from 5-6 p.m., featuring a presentation on the proposed project, an overview of the analysis of land suitability, and a question-and-answer session. Please register if you wish to attend.
The BLM will review the comments to help determine whether the project is viable to move forward. If the project moves forward, BLM will review the proposal through the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) process to analyze potential impacts on public lands. This will include further opportunity for public involvement before any decisions are reached.
Draft planning documents are available at the BLM National NEPA Register. Comments should be submitted through the “Participate Now” option (preferred) or can be delivered to the BLM Carlsbad Field Office at 620 E. Green St., Carlsbad, N.M. 88220-6292. The comment period closes Nov. 3, 2024.
To date, the Biden-Harris administration has approved 41 renewable energy projects on public lands (10 solar, 13 geothermal, and 18 gen-ties), allowing for early achievement of the goal to permit 25 gigawatts by 2025. In total, BLM has now permitted clean energy projects on public lands with a total capacity of approximately 29 gigawatts of power – enough to power over 12 million homes. This year BLM also issued a final Renewable Energy Rule that will lower consumer energy costs and the cost of developing solar and wind projects, improve project application processes, and incentivize developers to continue responsibly developing solar and wind projects on public lands.
For additional information about the project, please contact BLM Carlsbad Realty Specialist June Hernandez at 575-988-3226.
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.