The Bureau of Land Management is currently in the process of approving a set of solar projects in Nevada that could produce more power than all the homes in the state currently use. The proposed Esmeralda 7 Solar Project, consisting of seven adjacent solar photovoltaic projects, could collectively produce up to 6.2 gigawatts of clean electricity, enough to power roughly 1.6 million average homes.
The Biden administration has directed agencies to fast-track solar, wind, and geothermal projects to reduce reliance on fossil fuels. The projects would be built on public land controlled by the BLM in Big Smoky Valley.
Esmeralda County, with the fewest residents in Nevada, has become a focus for solar development and proposed lithium mines. Concerns have been raised about the environmental impact of the projects, including impacts on cultural resources, genetically pure populations of desert bighorn sheep, reptiles, and plant species.
Various environmental groups have expressed concerns about the location and scope of the projects, and the burden they may place on rural Esmeralda County without receiving any funding. The BLM is currently accepting public comments on the projects, with a deadline of October 24, 2024.
In addition, the final Environmental Impact Statement has been published for the proposed Libra Solar Project in Mineral and Lyon Counties, which includes 700 megawatts of solar production and 700 megawatts of battery storage on 5,100 acres of land. Public meetings and opportunities for public input on the projects will be announced in advance.
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