BLM welcomes public comment on proposed Easley Solar project in Riverside County
Project would add up to 400 MW of clean energy to the California grid
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PALM SPRINGS, Calif. – The Bureau of Land Management today opened a 30-day public
comment period to gather input for an environmental assessment for the proposed Easley Solar project in Riverside County. The comment period closes Oct. 15, 2023.
The BLM plans to hold an in-person public meeting on Wednesday, Oct. 4, from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. at UCR Palm Desert, Room: B114-117 located at 75080 Frank Sinatra Dr., in Palm Desert, CA 92211, please register HERE to attend virtually.
IP Easley, a subsidiary of Intersect Power LLC, proposes to construct, operate, maintain, and eventually decommission the Easley Renewable Energy Project on approximately 2,700 acres of BLM-managed public lands and 990 acres of private lands north of Desert Center on I-10. If approved, the project could generate and store up to 400 megawatts of photovoltaic solar energy and deliver renewable electricity to the statewide transmission grid.
“The BLM has a vital role in meeting the Nation’s energy needs through the responsible development of renewable energy resources on public lands,” said BLM California State Director Karen Mouritsen. “We are committed to conducting a thorough science-based review of the proposed Easley Solar project and value public input.”
The proposed Easley Solar Project would be constructed on Development Focus Area-designated lands in the Desert Renewable Energy Conservation Plan, a landscape-level plan that streamlines renewable energy development, while conserving unique and valuable desert ecosystems and providing outdoor recreation opportunities. The Desert Renewable Energy Conservation Plan is focused on 10.8 million acres of public lands in the desert regions of seven California counties – Imperial, Inyo, Kern, Los Angeles, Riverside, San Bernardino, and San Diego.
Written comments may be submitted through the “Participate Now” function on the BLM National NEPA Register (preferred), emailed to blm_ca_cdd_easley_solar@blm.gov, or mailed/hand delivered to the Palm Springs – South Coast Field Office at 1201 Bird Center Drive, Palm Springs, CA 92262.
For additional information, please contact the Tammy Faust, Project Manager, at 505-427-6759.
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.