Public Invited to Comment on Star Range Solar Development Project
BLM Cedar City Field Office Seeks Community Insights and Perspectives for Environmental Review Process
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The BLM Cedar City Field Office today initiates a 30-day scoping comment period to gather public input on the Star Range Solar Development Project Environmental Assessment. The environmental assessment examines the impacts of the proposed solar energy project by 174 Power Global, a Hanwha Energy Corporation subsidiary, set to span approximately 4,288 acres in Beaver County, Utah. The project could potentially generate an estimated 600 megawatts of renewable electricity, powering over 180,000 homes.
“The public scoping period is an essential step in the environmental analysis process,” said Cedar City Field Office Acting Field Manager Jacqueline Russell. “Public participation helps us identify key issues and concerns that should be addressed in the environmental assessment. We encourage the community to actively participate and share their perspectives about the proposed project.”
A solar variance process was completed for the Star Range Solar Development Project in September 2023 and received BLM Director concurrence to continue processing the application. For more information on the solar variance process, visit BLM Utah's website: https://www.blm.gov/policy/im-2023-015.
The scoping comment period is the first opportunity for the public to provide input on the Star Range Solar Development Project. Public input gathered during this scoping period will guide the BLM in assessing the environmental implications and potential impacts of the proposed Star Range Solar Development Project. It's an opportunity for the public, stakeholders, and other interested parties to contribute to the early stages of the project's environmental review. When submitting comments for the Star Range Solar Development Project, the public is encouraged to consider and address the following questions:
· What are the potential environmental and community impacts of the Star Range Solar Development Project?
· How might the project align with, or affect, current land use and local community interests?
· Are there specific considerations or mitigation measures that should be included to minimize environmental impacts?
These questions aim to guide the public in providing comprehensive and thoughtful input that will shape the direction and content of the environmental analysis. In the coming months, the BLM will seek additional public input on the analysis through a public comment period.
The BLM invites comments and feedback during this scoping period in the following ways:
· Online through the ePlanning project page: https://eplanning.blm.gov/eplanning-ui/project/2031465/510
· Mail to:
Bureau of Land Management
Cedar City Field Office
Attn: Star Range Solar Development Project
176 E DL Sargent Dr.
Cedar City, UT 84721
The scoping period will remain open until April 3, 2024, and all comments should be submitted by 11:59 p.m. local time on this date. When providing feedback, please refer to “Star Range Solar Development Project.”
For additional information about the Star Range Solar Development Project and the NEPA process, please contact the Bureau of Land Management Renewable Energy Project Manager, Brooklynn Cox at 435-865-3000.
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.
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.