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LAS VEGAS – The Bureau of Land Management Las Vegas Field Office, will host two virtual information forums – July 19 and 20 -- to gather public input on the Golden Currant Solar Project proposed on approximately 4,364 acres of BLM-managed public land located in Clark County, Nevada, approximately five miles southeast of Pahrump and 26 miles west of Las Vegas. State Route 160 is less than two miles northeast of the site. The public input period will close August 5, 2022.

“We look forward to valuable feedback on the proposed Golden Currant Solar Project application during the public input period and virtual information forums,” said Shonna Dooman, Las Vegas Field Office Manager. “The input from the public and our partners in local, state, federal and Tribal governments provide critical information to support BLM’s review as we decide how to move forward with this right-of-way application.”

The virtual public information forums are scheduled on July 19 and 20 from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. The forums will begin with a short presentation on the solar variance process and the Golden Currant Solar Project, will continue with a question-and-answer session, and finish with a public input period.

To register for the information forums, please use the following links:

• July 19 -  https://us06web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_qaB2qpczTf28jypNVfO3Aw
• July 20 -  https://us06web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_zWRpyveTQSyACdaZBP3l1A

If you have any questions or technical issues trying to register for the information forum, please call 864-901-3832 for assistance. The virtual public information forum will be recorded and posted at:

• July 19 - https://youtu.be/gp0oBzRT7k8
• July 20 - https://youtu.be/wCQVrj6jZ5Y

Noble Solar, LLC applied for a right-of-way grant for the construction, operation and eventual decommissioning of a proposed 400 MW alternating current solar facility and battery energy storage system on BLM managed public land. The information forums are being held as part of solar variance application process and information gathered during the public input period will inform BLM’s determination on whether to continue to process or to deny the Golden Currant Solar Project right-of-way application.

The BLM considers right-of-way applications for utility-scale solar energy development in variance areas on a case-by-case basis based on environmental considerations; coordination with appropriate federal, state, and local agencies and tribes; and public outreach.

Public comments that would be the most helpful are those that identify potential local concerns, barriers, and/or opportunities related to the proposed project. Input about types of use within the proposed area, like recreational activities and opportunities and other factors would also be helpful at this time.

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.

Written input can be submitted via email to BLM_NV_SND_EnergyProjects@blm.gov; please include “Golden Currant Solar Project Variance” in the subject line of the email. Additionally, public input can be mailed to BLM Southern Nevada District Office, Attn: Golden Currant Solar Project Variance, 4701 N. Torrey Pines Drive, Las Vegas, NV 89130. Public input on the application determination will be accepted until August 5, 2022.

Before including your address, phone number, email address, or other personal identifying information in your comment, you should be aware that your entire comment – including your personal identifying information – may be made publicly available at any time. While you can ask us in your comment to withhold your personal identifying information from public review, we cannot guarantee that we will be able to do so.

More information about the Golden Currant Solar Project, including proposed project information and BLM’s review process, can be found at https://blm.gov/press-release/bureau-land-management-hold-variance-process-virtual-public-information-forums-golden.