The Bureau of Land Management Ely District, Bristlecone Field Office will host an information forum on Jan. 23, 2024, to gather public input on the Pantheon Solar Project proposed in a solar variance area on approximately 2,682 acres of BLM-managed land in White Pine County, approximately 16 miles west of Ely, Nev. The public input period will conclude Feb. 22, 2024.
“We look forward to feedback on the proposed Pantheon Solar Project application during the public input period and information forum,” said Jared Bybee, Bristlecone Field Manager. “Input from the public and our partners in local, state, federal and Tribal governments provides critical information to support BLM’s review as we decide how to move forward with this right-of-way application.”
The public information forum is scheduled from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m., Tuesday, Jan. 23, 2024, at the Bristlecone Convention Center, 150 Sixth Street, in Ely, Nev. The forum will begin with a short presentation on the solar variance process and Pantheon Solar Project, will continue with a question-and-answer session, and finish with a public input period. The meeting will be held in person with an online component via Zoom. Anyone who would like to join online can register at https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_dKTEgk49R0atRBlCJbcKAg.
Pantheon Solar, LLC has applied for a right-of-way grant for the construction, operation and eventual decommissioning of a proposed 400-megawatt (MW) alternating current solar facility, including battery energy storage and interconnection to the regional transmission system, on BLM-managed land. The information forum is being held as part of the solar variance application process, and information gathered during the public input period will inform BLM’s determination on whether to continue to process the Pantheon Solar Project right-of-way application.
The BLM considers right-of-way applications for utility-scale solar energy development in variance areas by reviewing environmental considerations; coordinating with appropriate federal, state, and local agencies and Tribes; and conducting public outreach. More information about the Pantheon Solar Project, including proposed project information and BLM’s review process, can be found at www.pantheonsolarproject.com.
Public comments that would be the most helpful are those that identify potential local concerns, barriers, and/or opportunities related to the proposed project. Input about types of use within the proposed area, such as recreational activities and opportunities and other factors, would also be helpful at this time.
Written input may be submitted to the BLM Bristlecone Field Office, 702 North Industrial Way, Ely, NV 89301, Attn: Pantheon Solar Project. Submit comments electronically at info@pantheonsolarproject.com. Public input on the variance application will be accepted until Feb. 22, 2024.
Before including your address, phone number, email address, or other personal identifying information in your comment, you should be aware that your entire comment – including your personal identifying information – may be made publicly available at any time. While you can ask us in your comment to withhold your personal identifying information from public review, we cannot guarantee that we will be able to do so.
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.
The BLM manages more than 245 million acres of public land located primarily in 12 western states, including Alaska, on behalf of the American people. The BLM also administers 700 million acres of sub-surface mineral estate throughout the nation. Our mission is to sustain the health, diversity, and productivity of America’s public lands for the use and enjoyment of present and future generations.
