White Pine County Commission Raises Concerns Over Pumped Storage Projects Environmental Review Timeline

The White Pine County Commission has voiced concerns over a recent request by White Pine Water Power and rPlus Energies regarding the timeline for environmental analysis in the ongoing Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) review of the White Pine Pumped Storage Project.

During a recent meeting, the Project Manager for White Pine Water Power addressed the Commission, providing an update on the project’s progress and pending regulatory steps. The statement highlighted that on October 26, 2023, FERC directed White Pine Water Power to conduct hydro geologic testing to support the environmental analysis of the proposed project, with results initially due by January 31, 2025. However, on January 28, 2025, White Pine Water Power requested a one-year extension, pushing the final submission of test results to January 31, 2026.

Despite the extension request, White Pine Water Power urged FERC to move forward with issuing the Ready-for-Environmental Analysis determination as originally scheduled for April 14, 2025. They argued that sufficient information has already been provided in the Final License Application and subsequent filings, allowing the environmental review process to proceed while incorporating preliminary hydro geologic findings into the draft Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) by December 1, 2025.

The County Commission, however, has taken a firm stance against this approach. In an official letter to FERC, the Commission emphasized that it was their understanding—as well as that of the Natural Resources Advisory Committee (NRAC)—that the hydro geologic study should be completed before any environmental analysis takes place. The Commission argued that White Pine Water Power’s request to move forward with the environmental review without the finalized hydro geologic study is inconsistent with this expectation.

The Commission also raised concerns about public engagement in the process. In a separate letter, White Pine Water Power addressed community concerns gathered during FERC’s scoping meetings, which took place last year. While the company believes they have provided sufficient responses to the public’s input, the County Commission disagrees. They request that FERC re-scope the project once additional details—such as hydro geologic testing—are secured, ensuring that environmental impacts are fully understood before proceeding.

As discussions continue, the County Commission is considering sending an official comment letter to FERC, reinforcing its opposition to moving forward with the environmental analysis until the hydro geologic study is complete. The Commission and NRAC believe establishing a comprehensive groundwater condition baseline is critical before any licensing decision is made.

White Pine Water Power maintains that they remain committed to conducting additional hydro geologic testing and working with Nevada’s state engineers to ensure that pumping activities are carefully planned to minimize environmental and water resource impacts. However, tensions remain over whether the project’s timeline should be adjusted to reflect the need for more data.