The Bureau of Land Management approves phase two of Luning solar project
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CARSON CITY, Nevada - The Bureau of Land Management Stillwater Field Office has approved phase two of the Luning Solar Energy Project submitted by Liberty Utilities LLC. The project would be located next to the existing Luning Solar facility, approximately four miles northeast of Luning, Nevada, in Mineral County.
This project supports 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 (P.L. 116-260) to permit 25 gigawatts of solar, wind, and geothermal production on public lands no later than 2025. Efficient deployment of renewable energy from our nation’s public lands is crucial, and the BLM manages vast stretches of public lands that have the potential to make significant contributions to the nation’s renewable energy portfolio.
The environmental assessment (EA) analyzed a proposal by Liberty Utilities, LLC for a right-of-way for the Luning Solar Energy Project Phase II as an expansion of the existing Luning Solar Energy Project Phase I facility. The project will cover 560 acres. The new and existing solar facilities would be operated in a coordinated fashion to restrict the total output from the facilities to a maximum of 50 megawatts.
Comments on the Preliminary EA were accepted during the 30-day public comment period from September 23, 2021, to October 25, 2021. Public comments received were reviewed and substantive comments considered in preparation of this EA and Decision.
A copy of the final environmental assessment, and other documents are available at the Carson City District Office, 5665 Morgan Mill Road, Carson City, Nevada 89701 or on the project webpage at https://go.usa.gov/xsZxS. Should you have any questions, or computer access issues, contact Melanie Hornsby at mhornsby@blm.gov.
For more information contact Katy Paiva at 775-885-6034.
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.