Date: 4/9/24 9:04 am From: Diane Drobka <sunny1az...> Subject: [AZNMbirds] [EXT]BLM Event: BLM to hold virtual information forum for solar proposals in Phoenix and Gila Districts
External Email
View the announcement on our website
For more information, please contact J. Chris Wonderly
Public Affairs Specialist
Bureau of Land Management - Phoenix District Office
phone: 602-818-8295
email:<jwonderly...>
Event Description
The Bureau of Land Management will host a virtual forum to share information and receive public input on right-of-way applications for three proposed solar projects. The projects are within designated solar variance areas in Pinal and Yavapai counties.
- TheTAP Solar Project would develop up to 400 megawatts of solar energy generation and battery energy storage systems, on about 1,488 acres of BLM-managed land about 8.6 miles west of the city of Maricopa in Pinal County. - TheYellow Cups Solar Project would develop a 500-megawatt solar energy facility and battery storage system on 5,148 acres of BLM-managed land in the Gila District, about 9.5 miles southeast of Florence in Pinal County. - TheThistle Solar Project would develop a 500-megawatt solar generating facility with battery storage on about 8,200 acres of BLM-managed lands about 10 miles north of Aguila in Yavapai County.
The virtual public meeting is scheduled for Wednesday, April 17 at 5 p.m., and is expected to last about 90 minutes. Participants canregister in advance via Zoom. BLM staff will provide a short introduction followed by a presentation from the project applicants. Members of the public are invited to ask questions and provide input on the proposal. The meeting will be recorded and posted to the BLM Arizona YouTube channel.
As part of the solar variance application process, the BLM gathers information during the public input period and uses that input to inform the BLM’s determination on whether to continue processing the application. If the BLM continues to process a solar variance application, it will be subject to the National Environmental Policy Act review process, including environmental review and additional opportunities for public involvement.
Interested parties may also submit comments until May 23, via email <atBLM_AZ_PDO_Solar...> (preferred) or via mail to the Phoenix District Office, Attn: Matt Drahnak, 2020 E. Bell Road, Phoenix, AZ 85022. Project information, including maps and preliminary environmental screening, is available on the BLM National NEPA Register.
Jennifer Jones
Assisting the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) under a Cooperative Agreement with NEWSolutions
