BLM seeks initial input for three proposed solar projects in southern Nevada
LAS VEGAS – The Bureau of Land Management is seeking public input on the Larrea, Mosey, and Rock Valley solar projects being proposed for public lands in Clark and Nye counties, and will host two virtual information forums. If approved, the projects combined could generate up to 2,305 megawatts (MW) of clean energy, enough to power approximately 500,000 homes.
Feedback from these forums will inform BLM’s determination on whether to continue to process or deny each application. The forums will include presentations on the solar variance process and the respective projects, a question-and-answer session, and opportunities for the public to provide input. The forums will be recorded and posted publicly when available.
- A virtual public information forum for the Larrea and Mosey solar projects will be held Nov. 13 from 5:30 to 8 p.m.; please register at https://rb.gy/oxitnk to attend or call 760-273-5007 for assistance.
- A virtual public information forum for the Rock Valley Solar Project will be held Nov. 14 from 6 to 8 p.m.; please register at https://rb.gy/yzq4u4 to attend or call 760-273-5007 for assistance.
“Public input is critical as we evaluate the proposed projects,” said Whitney Wirthlin, Acting Supervisory Project Manager. “Public input that would be the most helpful includes potential local concerns, barriers, or opportunities related to the proposed project. Input about types of current use within the proposed project area, like recreational activities and other factors, would also be helpful at this time.”
Naturgy Candela Devco, LLC, proposes to construct, operate, and eventually decommission the Larrea Solar Project on 1,233 acres of public lands in Clark County. If approved, the project would produce up to 205 MW of clean energy, including 820-megawatt hours of onsite battery storage.
Renew Development HoldCo, LLC, a subsidiary of Clearway Energy, proposes to construct, operate, and eventually decommission the Mosey Solar Project on 3,523 acres of public lands near Pahrump in Clark and Nye counties. If approved, the project would produce up to 500 MW of clean energy, including 850 MW of battery storage.
Boulevard Associates, LLC, a subsidiary of NextEra Energy Resources, LLC, proposes to construct, operate, and eventually decommission the Rock Valley Solar Project on 10,102 acres of public lands near Amargosa Valley in Nye County. If approved, the project would produce and store up to 1,600 MW of clean energy.
Written input can also be emailed to BLM_NV_SND_EnergyProjects@blm.gov (preferred) with the name of the project in the subject line; or delivered to BLM Southern Nevada District Office, ATTN: [Name of Project], 4701 N. Torrey Pines Drive, Las Vegas, NV 89130. The public input period will close Nov. 29, 2024.
As of October 2024, the Biden-Harris administration has approved 42 renewable energy projects on public lands (10 solar, 14 geothermal, and 18 gen-ties) and exceeded the goal to permit 25 gigawatts of renewable energy by 2025. In total, the BLM has permitted clean energy projects on public lands with a total capacity of nearly 32 gigawatts of power – enough to power more than 12 million homes. This is the latest action as part of the Biden-Harris administration’s effort to improve the federal permitting process and accelerate project reviews.
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.