Arizona Desert Gets New Energy Center, Environmental Study Released
Published Date: 1/14/2025
Notice
Summary
The Bureau of Land Management just released a draft report about building a huge solar energy center in La Paz County, Arizona. This project could change how the land is used for the next 40 years and invites local folks and others to share their thoughts within 45 days. It’s a big step toward clean energy, with plenty of chances to get involved and learn more online.
Analyzed Economic Effects
5 provisions identified: 4 benefits, 0 costs, 1 mixed.
40‑Year, 5,029‑Acre Solar Project Proposed
A company is seeking a 40‑year right‑of‑way to use 5,029 acres of BLM land in La Paz County, Arizona to build a utility‑scale solar photovoltaic facility with up to 1.3 million solar PV modules, a generation capacity of 700 megawatts or more, and an 11‑mile gen‑tie line to the Ten West Link 500 kV station.
45‑Day Public Comment Window
You can submit written comments on the Draft Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) within 45 days after the EPA published its Notice of Availability on January 10, 2025; the BLM must receive your comments within that 45‑day period.
BLM Prefers Soils‑Focused Alternative
The BLM identified the Soils‑Focused Alternative as the agency's preferred alternative; it includes measures to minimize impacts on established desert pavements, reduce vegetation loss and fugitive dust emissions, and accelerate surface reclamation after construction and decommissioning.
Access‑Retention Alternative Keeps Public Routes
One analysis alternative (Access‑Retention) would use the same solar technology but also incorporate additional public access route corridors based on existing inventoried routes within the solar array area, which would preserve public access routes through the site.
Government‑to‑Government Tribal Consultation
The BLM will continue government‑to‑government consultation with Tribal Nations and will give due consideration to Tribal concerns, including potential impacts on Indian trust assets and cultural resources, during the NEPA process.
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