The Phoenix Bureau of Land Management (BLM) is providing information on two site applications for the proposed Caballero Solar Project and the Southwest Crossroads Solar Project, and has created a virtual forum to gather public input. I plan to host it. These projects are located within a designated solar variability area in Maricopa County.
The Caballero Project proposes to develop a 200-megawatt solar facility on 1,278 acres of public land managed by BLM, located approximately 22 miles west of the city of Maricopa. Meanwhile, the Southwest Crossroads project aims to build a 150-megawatt facility on 1,398 acres of BLM-managed public land located approximately 13 miles north of Gila Bend.
During the solar variance application process, BLM will collect information through a public input period and utilize this input to determine whether to proceed with the application. If BLM chooses to continue processing solar differential applications, it will undergo a National Environmental Policy Act review process that includes an environmental assessment and further public participation opportunities.
A virtual public meeting is scheduled for Wednesday, August 2nd at 5:00 pm and will last approximately 90 minutes. Participants can pre-register via Zoom. After an introduction by the BLM staff, a presentation will be given by the project applicant. Members of the public may also ask questions and provide comments regarding this proposal. A recording of the meeting will be published on the BLM Arizona YouTube channel.
Interested parties may also submit comments by email or post until September 8, 2023. Email is the preferred method. [email protected]Comments may also be emailed to the Lower Sonora Field Office, Attn: Matt Drahnak, 2020 E. Bell Road, Phoenix, AZ 85022. Additional project information, including maps and preliminary environmental screenings, can be accessed through BLM National. NEPA registered.
BLM manages vast tracts of public land with great potential to contribute to the country’s renewable energy portfolio. To facilitate the development of renewable energy sources, BLM provides land on public land. Efficient deployment of renewable energy from these lands will support the Biden-Harris administration’s goal of achieving a carbon-free power sector by 2035 and the 25 gigawatts of solar, wind power in the 2020 Energy Act. , is important in achieving Congressional mandates to allow geothermal power generation. Realize production on public land by 2025.
