Bureau of Land Management seeks comments on proposed Dry Lake East Energy Center Solar Project
Project would generate up to 200 megawatts of clean energy
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LAS VEGAS – The Bureau of Land Management Las Vegas Field Office is announcing an upcoming public comment period on an environmental assessment and regional mitigation strategy for the proposed Dry Lake East Energy Center Solar Project. The 30-day public comment period will open January 19 and close February 19, 2024 and a virtual public meeting will be held on January 24 from 6 to 8 p.m. PT.
“We look forward to receiving public comment on the draft environmental assessment and regional mitigation strategy for the proposed Dry Lake East Energy Center Solar Project,” said Bruce Sillitoe, Las Vegas Field Office Manager. “Comments that would be most helpful include any information that may enhance the analysis and environmental review of the proposed action or provide feedback about proposed mitigation.”
The proposed project is located on 1,635 acres of public land 10 miles northeast of Las Vegas in the Dry Lake East Designated Leasing Area. This area was designated as a preferred location for solar energy development in 2020 with input from agencies and the public. The BLM held a competitive auction for the area in 2022 and the successful bidder was determined to be the preferred applicant for the site. The BLM has developed an environmental assessment and regional mitigation strategy for the application that proposes construction, operation and eventual decommissioning of 200 MW photovoltaic solar facility with 200 MW of battery energy storage and an additional 400 MW battery energy storage facility.
More information about the proposed Dry Lake East Energy Center Solar Project can be found at: https://eplanning.blm.gov/eplanning-ui/project/2023193/510
Written comments may be submitted by any of the following methods:
- Email: BLM_NV_SND_EnergyProjects@blm.gov
- ePlanning: Utilize the “Participate Now” function at the project webpage: https://eplanning.blm.gov/eplanning-ui/project/2023193/510
- Mail: BLM, Las Vegas Field Office, Attn: Dry Lake East Solar Project, 4701 North Torrey Pines Drive, Las Vegas, NV 89130-2301
Please register at https://swca.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_Z9oHzRpeSf6_LcLRREBu4A#/registration if you wish to attend the virtual public meeting on January 24 from 6 to 8 p.m. PT.
If you have any questions about this project please contact the project manager, Lara Kobelt at (725) 301-1654 or via email at BLM_NV_SND_EnergyProjects@blm.gov.
The BLM manages vast stretches of public lands with the potential to make significant contributions to the nation’s renewable energy portfolio and provides sites for environmentally sound renewable energy projects. 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-
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.