The Bureau of Land Management seeks public comments for phase two of Luning solar project
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CARSON CITY, Nevada - The Bureau of Land Management Stillwater Field Office is requesting public comment on a preliminary environmental assessment for the proposed 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. Public comments will be accepted through October 25, 2021.
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.
This environmental assessment analyzes a proposal by Liberty Utilities, LLC for a right-of-way, which includes the construction activities and operations associated with the development of the Luning Solar Energy Project Phase II as an expansion of the existing Luning Solar Energy Project Phase I facility. The proposed project would cover 560 acres and consist of several primary components, including approximately 195,000-224,000 photovoltaic modules mounted on single axis trackers, interior and perimeter access roads, a 300-square foot storage building, an electrical collection system, batteries, and power inverters with medium voltage transformers connecting to the existing substation, which will be expanded by 8,700 square feet within the Luning Solar Energy Project Phase I project area. An existing 120-kilovolt generation-tie transmission line would connect the project to the existing NV Energy Table Mountain substation, approximately one mile from the project. 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.
A copy of the preliminary environmental assessment is available in the Carson City District Office and on the project webpage at https://go.usa.gov/xsZxS. Please send written comments to BLM, Attn: Katy Paiva, 5665 Morgan Mill Road, Carson City, Nevada 89701, email to blm_nv_ccdowebmail@blm.gov, or faxed to 775-885-6147. Should you have any questions, or computer access issues, contact Melanie Hornsby at mhornsby@blm.gov.
Before including address, phone number, email-address, or any other personal identifying information in your comments, be advised that your entire comment, including personal identifying information, may be made publicly available at any time. While individuals may request that the BLM withhold personal identifying information from public view, the BLM cannot guarantee it will be able to do so. If you wish us to withhold your personal information you must state this prominently at the beginning of your comment. We will make all submissions from organizations or businesses, available for public disclosure in their entirety.
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.