BLM seeks public interest to develop solar energy (03-21-13)
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The Bureau of Land Management is seeking parties interested in proposing solar energy development projects on 3,714 acres of land managed by the BLM San Luis Valley Field Office in Conejos and Saguache counties.The BLM's current actions come after a two-year planning effort on behalf of the Secretary of the Interior and the Department of Energy to pave the way for utility-scale solar development on public lands that will be capable of producing 20 megawatts or more of energy. For more information regarding the Solar Energy programmatic environmental impact statement, please visit: http://solareis.anl.gov/"This process will facilitate the Department of the Interior's smart from the start approach of making lands available for development in the Solar Energy Zones designated by the Solar PEIS and also ensure that any proposed projects provide for full environmental analysis and public review" said Helen Hankins, BLM Colorado State Director.The 60-day public notice will appear in the Federal Register on March 22, 2013, and may be viewed at: https://www.federalregister.gov/articles/2013/03/22/2013-06507/public-interest-for-solar-energy-development-on-public-lands-in-coloradoThis public notification is the first step to possible competitive solar energy development on public lands in the San Luis Valley. Last year, EPG Solar 1, LLC filed applications to develop solar energy on public lands within the De Tilla Gulch and Los Mogotes East Solar Energy Zones. Once the 60-day notice period closes, the BLM will review all submissions from interested parties to see if other companies are interested in developing solar energy in these areas.Those wishing to participate should submit a letter of interest and a preliminary right-of-way application form (SF-299) to Maryanne Kurtinaitis, Renewable Energy Program Manager, BLM Colorado State Office, 2850 Youngfield Street, Lakewood, CO 80215. Kurtinaitis may also be contacted for more information at 303-239-3708 or via e-mail at mkurtina@blm.govThe ROW application form (SF-299) can be downloaded at:http://www.gsa.gov. If the BLM determines that sufficient competition exists, the BLM may use a competitive bidding process, consistent with the CFR 43 2804.23 regulations, to select a preferred applicant in one or both of the SEZs.Each hour, the earth receives as much energy from the sun as the world consumes in an entire year. Solar radiation in the Southwest is some of the best in the world.
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.