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BLM Approves Western Transmission, Solar Projects

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The Bureau of Land Management has approved the Greenlink West Transmission Project, which will create a system of new transmission lines and facilities crossing federal, state, Tribal and private lands from North Las Vegas to Reno, Nev., through Clark, Esmeralda, Lyon, Mineral, Nye, Storey and Washoe counties, the BLM said on Sept. 9.

Upon completion, the project could transmit up to 4,000 megawatts of clean energy. The approval comes after a robust environmental review was initiated in 2023.  

The BLM also approved the Libra Solar Project, which is expected to generate and store up to 700 megawatts of energy on approximately 5,778 acres of public lands in Mineral County, Nevada. The project includes both a solar facility and a battery energy storage system.

The Libra Solar Project will be the largest solar-plus battery energy storage project in Nevada and one of the largest in the United States.

Comment Periods Opened for Transmission and Solar Projects

The BLM said it has opened a comment period for the proposed Greenlink North Transmission Project Draft Resource Management Plan Amendment and Environmental Impact Statement. If approved, the project would designate a 210-mile long by 3,500-foot-wide utility corridor starting near Ely in White Pine County, crossing public lands through Eureka, Lander and Churchill counties, and ending near Yerington in Lyon County. This transmission project could unlock up to 4,000 megawatts of clean energy.   

The BLM has also opened a comment period for the Bonanza Solar Project Draft Resource Management Plan Amendment and Environmental Impact Statement. The proposed 300-megawatt solar facility would include battery storage and a 5.4-mile gen-tie line on approximately 5,133-acres of public lands in Clark and Nye counties, near Las Vegas.  

Since the start of the Biden-Harris administration, the BLM has approved 41 renewable energy projects on public lands (10 solar, 13 geothermal, and 18 gen-ties), allowing for early achievement of the goal to permit 25 gigawatts by 2025.

Leaders have also celebrated the groundbreakings of the TransWest Express Transmission Project, Ten West Link, and the SunZia Transmission Project, with Greenlink West becoming the fourth approval during this Administration.

Earlier this year, the Department of Interior issued a final Renewable Energy Rule. The BLM also released a proposed updated Western Solar Plan last month, which offers a roadmap for solar energy development on public lands and expansion of efficient and environmentally responsible solar project permitting across the West, it said.

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