BLM opens public comment period for proposed solar project in Clark County
Project would add up to 19 MW of clean energy to the Nevada grid
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LAS VEGAS — The Bureau of Land Management today announced a public comment period on the draft environmental assessment for the proposed Townsite Solar 2 Project in Clark County. A 15-day public comment period will open August 3 and close August 18, 2023. Please register at https://swca.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_koU8WiprTIuYIbDrTWkLLA#/registration if you wish to attend a virtual public meeting hosted by the BLM on August 3 from 6‒8 p.m. PT.
The project is a proposed 19 megawatt photovoltaic solar power generation and battery storage facility on approximately 80 acres of BLM-managed public lands four miles southwest of Boulder City and two miles south of Railroad Pass, on the west side of US Highway 95.
“We look forward to receiving public comment on the draft environmental assessment for the proposed Townsite 2 Solar Project,” said Las Vegas Field Manager Bruce Sillitoe. “Comments that would be most helpful include any information that may enhance the analysis and environmental review of the proposed project.”
In 2022, the BLM completed the initial evaluation of the Townsite Solar 2 Project right-of-way application after coordination with federal, state and local agencies and Tribes, as well as receiving public input. After careful consideration, the BLM determined it would continue processing the application and initiated the environmental review of the project.
The application evaluation package, Input Summary Report and additional information for the project is available at the BLM National NEPA Register.
Written comments may be submitted through the “Participate Now” function on the BLM National NEPA Register (preferred), emailed to BLM_NV_SND_EnergyProjects@blm.gov, or mailed/hand delivered to BLM Las Vegas Field Office, Attn: Townsite Solar 2 Project, 4701 N. Torrey Pines Drive, Las Vegas, NV, 89130. All comments must be submitted by 11:59 p.m. PT on August 18, 2023, to be considered.
For more information, please contact Jessica Headen at (702) 515-5206 or via email at BLM_NV_SND_EnergyProjects@blm.gov.
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.