BLM announces virtual information forum on Chuparosa solar proposal
Project would add 300 MW to the Arizona grid
Organization
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SAFFORD, Ariz. — The Bureau of Land Management plans to host a virtual forum to share information and receive public input on a right-of-way application from Chuparosa Solar LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Primergy Solar LLC, for a solar energy project within a designated solar variance area in unincorporated Navajo County.
The proposed project is for a 300-megawatt (MW) facility located on 6,626 acres of BLM-managed lands and 30 acres of private lands approximately four miles south of the city of Holbrook and five miles north of the town of Snowflake.
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.
Advance registration is required to participate in the virtual public meeting scheduled for 5 p.m. on Wednesday, July 19, 2023, and is expected to last about 90 minutes. BLM staff will provide a short introduction followed by a presentation from the project applicant. 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.
Interested parties may also submit comments until August 18, 2023, via email at BLM_AZ_SFO_Solar@blm.gov or via mail to the Safford Field Office, Attn: Ron Peru, 711 S 14th Avenue Safford, AZ 85546. Project information, including maps and preliminary environmental screening, is available on the BLM National NEPA Register.
Before including your address, phone number, email address, or other personal identifying information in your comment, you should be aware that your entire comment—including your personal identifying information—may be made publicly available at any time. While you can ask us in your comment to withhold your personal identifying information from public review, we cannot guarantee that we will be able to do so.
The BLM manages vast stretches of public lands that have the potential to make significant contributions to the nation’s renewable energy portfolio. To promote the development of these energy sources, the BLM provides sites for environmentally sound development of renewable energy on public lands. The efficient deployment of renewable energy from our nation’s public lands is crucial in achieving the Biden-Harris administration’s goal of a carbon pollution-free power sector by 2035, as well as Congress’ direction in the Energy Act of 2020 to permit 25 gigawatts of solar, wind, and geothermal production on public lands no later than 2025.
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.