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RENO, Nev. — The Bureau of Land Management Nevada State Office, on behalf of the Southern Nevada District Office, will host two virtual information forums on Sept. 7 and 8, 2022, to gather public input on the Bonanza Solar Project proposed in a solar variance area on approximately 5,100 acres of BLM-managed public land in Clark County and Nye County, four miles west of Indian Springs and approximately 30 miles north and west of Las Vegas. The Project would generate 300 megawatts of energy and include battery energy storage and interconnection to the regional transmission system. The public input period will end Sept. 22, 2022. 

“We look forward to valuable feedback on the proposed Bonanza 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 Sept. 7 and 8 from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. The forums will begin with a short presentation on the solar variance process and the Bonanza 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:  

• Sept. 7 - https://dudek.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN__MpQAQWKTXuQNnIWkX-rWQ 
• Sept. 8 - https://dudek.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN__MpQAQWKTXuQNnIWkX-rWQ 

If you have any questions or technical issues trying to register for the information forum, please call 775-861-6477 for assistance. The virtual public information forum will be recorded and posted at https://eplanning.blm.gov/eplanning-ui/project/2020905/510. 

EDF Renewables Development, Inc (Bonanza Solar LLC), has applied for a right-of-way grant for the construction, operation, and eventual decommissioning of a proposed 300 MW solar energy project, including battery energy storage and interconnection to the regional transmission system, on BLM-managed public land. The information forums are being held as part of the 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 Bonanza Solar Project right-of-way application. 

The BLM considers right-of-way applications for utility-scale solar energy development in variance areas by reviewing environmental considerations; coordinating with appropriate federal, state, and local agencies and Tribes; and conducting public outreach. More information about the Bonanza Solar Project, including proposed project information and BLM’s review process, can be found at https://eplanning.blm.gov/eplanning-ui/project/2020905/510.  

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. 

Written input can be submitted via email to BonanzaSolar@blm.gov or U.S. mail to the Greg Helseth, BLM Nevada State Office, 1340 Financial Boulevard, Reno, Nevada 89502. Public input on the variance application will be accepted until September 22, 2022. 

Before including your address, phone number, email address, or other personal identifying information in your comment, 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. 

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. 

-BLM-