BLM Seeks Views On Large Scale Solar & Storage Project

• BLM has prepared an environmental assessment and regional mitigation strategy for Dry Lake East Energy Center Solar Project 
• It has opened a public comments window for the 200 MW solar and storage project 
• BLM says this will enable the company to enhance its analysis that's to be built by Boulevard Associates, LLC 

The US Bureau of Land Management (BLM) is seeking public comments for a 200 MW solar and 200 MW battery storage and an additional 400 MW battery energy storage facility to come up 10 miles northeast of Las Vegas. 

A draft of the environmental assessment and regional mitigation strategy for the proposed project, prepared by the BLM, is now open for public solicitation (see North America PV News Snippets). 

The Dry Lake East Energy Center Solar Project will occupy 1,635 acres of public land in the Dry Lake East Designated Leasing Area. BLM says it was designated as a preferred location for solar energy development in 2020. 

It was followed by a competitive solicitation process in 2022 under which Boulevard Associates, LLC was determined as the successful bidder and preferred applicant for the site. Boulevard has applied for a right-of-way (ROW) to construct, operate, maintain and decommission the project, which can go ahead after the project gets a positive environmental assessment. 

"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," said Las Vegas Field Office Manager Bruce Sillitoe. 

Stakeholders have a 30-day time window, from January 19, 2024 to February 19, 2024, to send in their comments. Details are available on BLM's website. 

The BLM is facilitating the use of public lands it manages for the government, to be used for environmentally sound renewable energy projects (see US To Free Up More Public Land For Solar Development).