BLM seeks input on potential updates to Solar Energy Program during Public Scoping Meeting in Albuquerque
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ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. — As part of an ongoing effort to support responsible renewable energy development on public lands, the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) is holding a Public Scoping Meeting, Jan. 26, 3-7 p.m., in Albuquerque, N.M., to solicit feedback on the recently announced Solar Programmatic Environmental Impact Statement for BLM’s utility-scale solar energy planning.
Updates are being considered to the 2012 Western Solar Plan that includes six southwestern states - Arizona, California, Colorado, Nevada, New Mexico, and Utah - and seeks comments about expanding solar planning to include five additional states - Idaho, Montana, Oregon, Washington, and Wyoming. The Albuquerque meeting is one of a series of in-person and virtual meetings taking place in the January/February timeframe in various western states, as well as in Washington DC. Go to the BLM webpage for complete list of meetings.
“The Bureau of Land Management is committed to expanding renewable energy development on public lands to help lead the nation into a clean energy future, enhance America’s energy security, and provide for good-paying union jobs,” said BLM Director Tracy Stone-Manning. “We look forward to hearing from the public on effective ways to expand our nation’s capacity for producing solar energy while continuing to ensure robust protection of our public lands and waters.”
The Albuquerque meeting will take place at the Crowne Plaza, located at 1901 University Blvd., NE, Albuquerque, N.M., 87102. Parking is complimentary for meeting attendees. Individuals who need special assistance, such as sign language interpretation and other reasonable accommodations, please contact BLM Realty Specialist Adrian Garcia at (505) 954-2199.
The Notice of Intent to update BLM’s 2012 Solar Programmatic Environmental Impact Statement was published in the Federal Register on Dec. 8, 2022, inviting interested parties to either submit written feedback or to participate in one of the in-person or virtual public scoping meetings.
The public comment period will remain open for 15 days after the last Public Scoping Meeting, or Feb. 6., whichever is later. For the most current information on these meetings and to view the Notice of Intent, go to BLM’s ePlanning website at https://eplanning.blm.gov/eplanning-ui/project/2022371/570.
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.