BLM sets aside land for proposed solar project in White Pine County

Project would add up to 400 MW of clean energy to the grid

ELY, Nev. – The Bureau of Land Management is setting aside lands proposed to be used by the Pantheon Solar Development Project for two years, preventing the land from being sold or subject to new mining claims while the BLM studies the proposal to develop renewable energy resources in the area.

The project proposes the use of 4,210.6 acres of public lands managed by the BLM Bristlecone Field Office in Jakes Valley south of U.S. Highway 50, about 15 miles west of Ely, in White Pine County, Nevada.

Under the Code of Federal Regulations, the BLM has the authority to temporarily remove lands from appropriation under the public land laws as part of right-of-way applications proposing generation of renewable energy. The land will be set aside while the BLM completes the variance process to determine whether the area is suitable for a potential solar energy project. If approved, the project could generate up to 400 megawatts of solar energy.

This Notice will set aside the identified lands for two years from appropriation under the public land laws, including location under the Mining Law, but not the Mineral Leasing Act or the Materials Act, subject to valid existing rights, effective as of October 31, 2023. The lands will once again become available for mining when: the authorized officer issues a decision for the right-of-way application; the separation expires; or a Federal Register notice terminating the protection is published.

For more information, contact Jared Bybee, BLM Bristlecone Field Manager, at 775-289-1847.

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, 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.