September 23, 2023
BLM delivers more clean energy
Townsite Solar 2 Project will add up to 19 MW of power to the Nevada grid
LAS VEGAS – The Bureau of Land Management approved a new solar project that will sit on approximately 76 acres of public lands in Clark County, Nevada, four miles southwest of Boulder City. The newly approved Townsite Solar 2 Project is projected to generate up to 19 megawatts of power and includes battery energy storage, contributing to the Biden-Harris administration’s goal of a carbon-pollution free power sector by 2035.
“This project will tangibly contribute to a clean energy economy and create jobs for our community,” said BLM Las Vegas Field Manager Bruce Sillitoe. “We appreciate the public involvement and feedback on our draft environmental assessment during the comment period. After carefully considering that feedback, we finalized the environmental assessment and will now offer a right-of-way to the applicant.”
A synopsis of the 12 public comments received and BLM responses can be found in the decision record, which is available via the "Documents" link to the left along with the finding of no significant impact, environmental assessment and other associated documents.
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.
July 27, 2023
BLM OPENS PUBLIC COMMENT PERIOD FOR PROPOSED SOLAR PROJECT IN CLARK COUNTY
Project would add up to 19 MW of clean energy to the Nevada grid
LAS VEGAS — The Bureau of Land Management today announced a public comment period on the draft environmental assessment for the proposed Townsite Solar 2 Project in Clark County. A 15-day public comment period will open August 3 and close August 18, 2023. Please register at https://swca.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_koU8WiprTIuYIbDrTWkLLA#/registration if you wish to attend a virtual public meeting hosted by the BLM on August 3 from 6?8 p.m. PT.
The project is a proposed 19 megawatt photovoltaic solar power generation and battery storage facility on approximately 80 acres of BLM-managed public lands four miles southwest of Boulder City and two miles south of Railroad Pass, on the west side of US Highway 95.
“We look forward to receiving public comment on the draft environmental assessment for the proposed Townsite 2 Solar Project,” said Las Vegas Field Manager Bruce Sillitoe. “Comments that would be most helpful include any information that may enhance the analysis and environmental review of the proposed project.”
In 2022, the BLM completed the initial evaluation of the Townsite Solar 2 Project right-of-way application after coordination with federal, state and local agencies and Tribes, as well as receiving public input. After careful consideration, the BLM determined it would continue processing the application and initiated the environmental review of the project.
The application evaluation package, Input Summary Report and additional information for the project is available via the "Documents" link on the left side of this webpage.
Starting on August 3, written comments may be submitted through the “Participate Now” function on the left side of this webpage (preferred), emailed to [email protected], or mailed/hand delivered to BLM Las Vegas Field Office, Attn: Townsite Solar 2 Project, 4701 N. Torrey Pines Drive, Las Vegas, NV, 89130. All comments must be submitted by 11:59 p.m. PT on August 18, 2023, to be considered.
For more information, please contact Jessica Headen at (702) 515-5206 or via email at [email protected].
December 9, 2022
Bureau of Land Management proceeds with processing of the Townsite Solar 2 Project Application
LAS VEGAS – The BLM has completed the initial evaluation of the Townsite Solar 2 Project right-of-way application after coordination
with appropriate federal, state, and local agencies and Tribes, and receiving public
input. The BLM will proceed with processing the application and initiate
environmental review of the project.
“After careful
consideration of the application evaluation, the BLM has determined it will
continue processing the application and proceed with initiation of the National
Environmental Policy Act process,” said Coreen Francis, Acting Las Vegas Field Office
Manager.
Townsite Solar 2 Project is
a proposed 19 MW photovoltaic solar power generation and battery storage
facility on approximately 80 acres of BLM-managed public land located in Clark
County, four miles southwest of Boulder City, Nevada and two miles south of
Railroad Pass, on the west side of US Highway 95.
The BLM provided
opportunities for input from the public and federal, state, and local agencies,
and initiated government-to-government consultation with Tribes, including
conducting field trips. The BLM hosted a virtual public information forum
September 1, 2022, to provide the public with project information and solicit
input on the initial evaluation of the application.
The next step is to release
an environmental assessment and draft Finding of No Significant Impact for
public review, anticipated in Early 2023. Comments submitted during the initial
application evaluation will be further considered during the National
Environmental Policy Act process for the project.
Proceeding with processing
the Townsite Solar 2 Project does not render approval for the Townsite Solar 2 Project
or otherwise entitle the applicant in any way, nor does it create any right or
benefit, substantive or procedural, enforceable at law or equity by a party
against the United States, its departments, agencies, instrumentalities or
entities, its officers or employees, or any other person. The application
evaluation package, Input Summary Report, and additional information for the
Townsite Solar 2 Project can be found at https://www.blm.gov/press-release/bureau-land-management-proceeds-processing-townsite-solar-2-project-application
