phoenix — The Bureau of Land Management will host a virtual forum to share information and receive public comment on two site applications for the proposed Caballero and Southwest Crossroads solar projects. The two projects are within the specified range Solar variability region Located in Maricopa County.

The Caballero project proposal would build a 200-megawatt solar facility on 1,278 acres of public land managed by BLM about 22 miles west of the city of Maricopa. The Southwest Crossroads project proposal involves building a 150-megawatt facility on 1,398 acres of BLM-managed public land about 13 kilometers north of Gila Bend.

as part of the Solar variability application In this process, the BLM collects information during the public input period and informs the BLM’s decision about whether to continue processing the application with that input. If BLM continues to process solar differential applications, it will be subject to the National Environmental Policy Act review process, which includes additional opportunities for environmental reviews and public involvement.

A virtual public meeting is scheduled for Wednesday, August 2nd at 5:00 pm and will last approximately 90 minutes.Participants can Pre-register with Zoom. BLM staff will give a brief introduction followed by presentations from project applicants. The public is also invited to ask questions and provide feedback on this proposal. the meeting was recorded BLM Arizona YouTube Channel.

Interested parties may email BLM_AZ_PDO_Solar@blm.gov (preferred) or mail to the Lower Sonora Field Office, Matt Drahnak, 2020 E. Bell Road, Phoenix, AZ 85022 by September 8, 2023. You can also submit comments by Project information, including maps and pre-environmental screenings, is available at: BLM National NEPA Registration.

BLM manages vast tracts of public land that can contribute significantly to the country’s renewable energy portfolio. To facilitate the development of these energy sources, BLM provides sites for the development of environmentally friendly renewable energy on public land. Efficient deployment of renewable energy from our country’s public lands will help achieve the Biden Harris administration’s goal of a carbon-free power sector by 2035, and will also contribute to the introduction of 25 gigawatts of solar power. critical to achieving Congress’ mandate in the 2020 Energy Act to allow. , to start wind and geothermal power generation on public lands by 2025 at the latest.