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April 17: BLM to hold virtual information forum for solar proposals in Phoenix and Gila Districts

Arizona
Phoenix DO
Hassayampa FO
Lower Sonoran FO
Gila DO
Tucson FO
Event Coordinator
Event Dates
to

Register via Zoom
Event Description

The Bureau of Land Management will host a virtual forum to share information and receive public input on right-of-way applications for three proposed solar projects. The projects are within designated solar variance areas in Pinal and Yavapai counties. 

  • The TAP Solar Project would develop up to 400 megawatts of solar energy generation and battery energy storage systems, on about 1,488 acres of BLM-managed land about 8.6 miles west of the city of Maricopa in Pinal County.  
  • The Yellow Cups Solar Project would develop a 500-megawatt solar energy facility and battery storage system on 5,148 acres of BLM-managed land in the Gila District, about 9.5 miles southeast of Florence in Pinal County.  
  • The Thistle Solar Project would develop a 500-megawatt solar generating facility with battery storage on about 8,200 acres of BLM-managed lands about 10 miles north of Aguila in Yavapai County.  

The virtual public meeting is scheduled for Wednesday, April 17 at 5 p.m., and is expected to last about 90 minutes. Participants can register in advance via Zoom. BLM staff will provide a short introduction followed by a presentation from the project applicants. Members of the public are invited to ask questions and provide input on the proposal. The meeting will be recorded and posted to the BLM Arizona YouTube channel.  

As part of the solar variance application process, the BLM gathers information during the public input period and uses that input to inform the BLM’s determination on whether to continue processing the application. If the BLM continues to process a solar variance application, it will be subject to the National Environmental Policy Act review process, including environmental review and additional opportunities for public involvement. 

Interested parties may also submit comments until May 23, via email at BLM_AZ_PDO_Solar@blm.gov (preferred) or via mail to the Phoenix District Office, Attn: Matt Drahnak, 2020 E. Bell Road, Phoenix, AZ 85022. Project information, including maps and preliminary environmental screening, is available on the BLM National NEPA Register.