BLM seeks public comment for proposed Esmeralda 7 Solar Projects in Nevada
Proposed renewable projects would add up to 5.3 GW of clean energy to the grid
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Battle Mountain, Nev. – The Bureau of Land Management is seeking public comment on a proposal to evaluate the impacts of the proposed Esmeralda 7 (E7) Solar Projects near Tonopah in central Nevada. If approved, the seven projects are expected to generate a total of up to 5.3 gigawatts of electricity, enough to power approximately 4 million households.
Approximately 118,631 acres of public lands have been withdrawn from mineral entry for a period of two years in Esmeralda County’s Big Smoky Valley near Tonopah while the projects are being considered.
“This effort is a high priority for BLM Nevada and will be a significant source of renewable energy in support of reaching the country’s clean energy goals,” said Battle Mountain District Manager Doug Furtado. “I am very proud of the work each of these companies have done working together with my staff to ensure a timely and efficient permitting process for the E7 Solar Projects and we look forward to hearing public comment on the proposal.”
The seven projects are:
· Esmeralda Energy Center Project, proposed by Boulevard Associates LLC;
· Gold Dust Solar Project, proposed by Gold Dust Solar LLC;
· Lone Mountain Solar Project, proposed by Lone Mountain Solar LLC;
· Nivloc Energy Project, proposed by Nivloc Solar LLC;
· Red Ridge 1 Project, proposed by 335ES 8me LLC;
· Red Ridge 2 Project, proposed by 336SP 8me LLC; and
· Smoky Valley Solar Project, proposed by CG Western Renewables III LLC.
The proposal to amend the Tonopah Resource Management Plan and prepare an associated Programmatic Environmental Impact Statement will assess potential impacts to air, biological, hydrological, and visual resources, as well as cultural, Native American, socioeconomic, and environmental justice interests.
The publication of a Notice of Intent is expected to publish in the Federal Register next week to open a 30-day public comment period. More information, including maps, planning documents, how to register for virtual public scoping meetings, and instructions on how to submit scoping comments are available at the BLM National NEPA Register.
The BLM manages vast stretches of public lands with potential to make significant contributions to the nation’s renewable energy portfolio. To promote development of these energy sources, BLM provides sites for environmentally sound development of clean energy on public lands. Efficient deployment of clean 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.
For more information, please contact Supervisory Project Manager Scott Distel at (775) 635-4093 or sdistel@blm.gov.
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.