BLM seeks comments on proposed Rough Hat Clark County Solar Project near Pahrump
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LAS VEGAS – The Bureau of Land Management Las Vegas Field Office is seeking public comments on the proposed 400-megawatt Rough Hat Clark County Solar Project in Clark County, Nevada. The 45-day scoping comment period opened today and will close December 5, 2022. The BLM will hold two scoping meetings virtually for the Rough Hat Clark County Solar Project on November 15 and 16, 2022, from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. Pacific time. More information on the meetings is available on the project ePlanning website at: https://eplanning.blm.gov/eplanning-ui/project/2019992/510.
The BLM manages vast stretches of public lands with the potential to make significant contributions to the nation’s renewable energy portfolio and provides sites for environmentally sound renewable energy projects. 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.
“Public comments during the National Environmental Policy Act phase are critical as we continue to evaluate the proposed project, which would contribute 400 megawatts of capacity toward fulfilling the goals of Congress and the administration,” said Shonna Dooman, Las Vegas Field Office Manager. “The type of comments that would be most helpful during the scoping period include potential local concerns and opportunities related to the proposed project, peer-reviewed literature on resource topics, impacts on recreational activities and other public land uses, and additional potential impacts of the proposed project.”
The Rough Hat Clark County Solar Project would consist of the construction, operation, and eventual decommissioning of photovoltaic solar modules and associated facilities necessary to generate up to 400 megawatts of electricity. The proposed project area includes 2,400 acres of public land southeast of Pahrump, Nevada, approximately 38 miles west of Las Vegas, Nevada, and located adjacent and to the south of State Route 160. Project construction is anticipated to take 12 to 18 months. More information about the proposed project can be found on BLM’s ePlanning website at: https://eplanning.blm.gov/eplanning-ui/project/20199 92/510.
Written comments may be mailed to the BLM, Las Vegas Field Office, Attn: Rough Hat Clark County Solar Project, 4701 N. Torrey Pines Drive, Las Vegas, NV 89130 or emailed to BLM_NV_SND_EnergyProjects@blm.gov. Comments may also be submitted utilizing the “Participate Now” function at the Project ePlanning page at: https://eplanning.blm.gov/eplanning-ui/project/2019992/510. Comments that were received by the BLM during the review of the solar variance process for this project will be considered during the development of the Environmental Impact Statement. For more information, please contact Whitney Wirthlin at (725) 249-3318 or via email at BLM_NV_SND_EnergyProjects@blm.gov.
Before including addresses, phone numbers, email addresses, or other personal identifying information in comments, be aware that entire comments – including personal identifying information – may be made publicly available at any time. While commenters can request that personal identifying information be withheld from public review, the BLM cannot guarantee that we will be able to do so.
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.