BLM to hold virtual information forum on solar proposals
Organization
Media Contact:
LAKE HAVASU CITY, Ariz. — As part of the Bureau of Land Management’s (BLM) efforts to build a clean energy future for all communities, the Colorado River District will host a virtual forum to share information and receive public input on four applications for solar energy development. This work supports 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 has received four right-of-way applications for solar energy development projects on BLM-managed public lands designated as solar variance areas. The four projects are the Ranegras Plains Solar Project in the Yuma Field Office area, the Bouse Solar and Storage Project in the Yuma Field Office area, and the Socorro Solar Project and Parker Solar Project in the Lake Havasu Field Office area.
The forum will be held as part of the solar variance application process. Information gathered during the public input period will help the BLM determine whether to continue to process or to deny the right-of-way applications. If the BLM decides to process an application, it will continue through the National Environmental Policy Act planning process, which will include further public involvement.
The virtual public meeting is scheduled for Feb. 2, beginning at 5:30 p.m. The meeting is expected to last about 90 minutes on Zoom. BLM staff will provide a short introduction followed by presentations from project applicants. The public will have an opportunity to provide input on the proposed projects during the meeting.
To register for the meeting, please visit: https://blm.zoomgov.com/j/1610969465?pwd=OXNpVVNsazdmRlluTnVGYmFWbEJVUT09
The meeting will be recorded and posted to the BLM Arizona YouTube channel.
Interested parties may also submit comments via email to blm_az_crd_solar@blm.gov. Comments may also be mailed to BLM Yuma Field Office, Attn: Erica Stewart, 7341 E. 30th Street, Suite A, Yuma, AZ 85365. Public input will be accepted until Feb. 18, 2022.
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 BLM considers right-of-way applications for utility-scale solar energy development on a case-by-case basis based on environmental considerations; coordination with appropriate federal, state, and local agencies and tribes; and public outreach.
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.