BLM seeks public comment on three proposed solar projects near Coaldale

Announcement
BLM Nevada, Battle Mountain District Office                                                        
Media Contact: Randy Martin, ramartin@blm.gov, 775-861-6580                     
May 3, 2024                                                          

                                             BLM seeks public comment on three proposed solar projects near Coaldale

BATTLE MOUNTAIN, Nev. – The Bureau of Land Management is holding a virtual public meeting on May 30, 2024, to share information and receive public input on three applications for solar and energy storage projects. The proposed projects would be located on public lands designated as solar variance areas in Esmeralda County, approximately 35 miles west of Tonopah. 

"The responsible development of renewable energy is a high priority for the Bureau of Land Management,” said Douglas Furtado, Battle Mountain District Manager. The Coaldale solar project consists of three contiguous proposed projects within the Battle Mountain District.  “Collectively these projects would significantly contribute to Nevada's renewable energy portfolio.” 

Candelaria Solar is proposed as a 500-megawatt solar and energy storage project on 8,089 acres of public land. Esmeralda North is proposed as a 1,000-megawatt solar and energy storage project on 7,402 acres of public land. Cathedral Solar is proposed as a 1,500-megawatt solar and energy storage project on 9,167 acres of public land.   

Participants will receive information on the proposed projects and may submit input which could be incorporated into the applications for variance approval. This process is required by the 2012 Solar Energy Development Programmatic Environmental Impact Statement. The agenda includes an overview of the projects, discussion of size, capacity, structures, timeline, and environmental concerns that are known. 

“It is critical that federal, state, local, and Tribal governments be invited to participate in the environmental reviews and in the permitting process so that we can achieve an environmentally responsible outcome," Furtado said. 

Meeting information for May 30, 6:00 – 7:30 p.m. PT is as follows: 

Register in advance for this webinar:

https://blm.zoomgov.com/webinar/register/WN_5nUTxYX6RKeXANLiQQZ4OQ

After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the webinar.

Or call in (audio only) 
Dial +1 669-900-6833, Meeting ID: 986 5105 9621 (San Jose)
 +1 213-338-8477, Meeting ID: 986 5105 9621 (Los Angeles) 

Comments can be emailed to blm_nv_bmdo_coaldale_solar@blm.gov

Or mailed to:
Bureau of Land Management
Attn: Coaldale Solar Projects
1340 Financial Blvd.
Reno, NV  89502 

For more information contact Katy Paiva at 775-861-6500.  

The BLM manages more than 245 million acres of public land located primarily in 12 Western states, including Alaska. The BLM also administers 700 million acres of sub-surface mineral estate throughout the nation. The agency’s mission is to sustain the health, diversity, and productivity of America’s public lands for the use and enjoyment of present and future generations.

BLM