BLM Opens Up Land for Mining as Solar Power Plans Await Approval

The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) has announced a temporary withdrawal of approximately 11,560 square miles of land in La Paz County to facilitate the processing of applications for three large solar projects. This decision, outlined in a recent Federal Register publication, restricts the use of the land for two years under public land laws, including mining regulations, but exempts the Mineral Leasing Act and the Materials Act.

Jason VanBuskirk, a representative from the BLM’s Colorado River District office, explained that the withdrawal was necessary due to the incompatibility between mining activities and solar energy operations.

The solar projects affected by this decision include the Socorro Solar project, spanning around 3,920 acres near Quartzsite, the Parker Solar project covering about 1,960 acres near Parker, and the Eagle Eye Solar project, which will occupy approximately 5,680 acres near Wenden.

In a press release, the BLM emphasized that this protective measure ensures a smooth evaluation process for renewable energy proposals without interference from conflicting land uses. BLM’s Arizona Deputy State Director for Lands, Minerals, Energy and Cadastral Survey remarked on the importance of maintaining a clear pathway during environmental analysis and application reviews.

It’s important to note that this temporary withdrawal does not impact the lands in eastern La Paz County that the BLM previously conveyed to the county in May 2020. This conveyance involved 5,900 acres and was part of the John D. Dingell Conservation, Recreation and Management Act, enacted under former President Donald Trump.

One notable project stemming from this initiative is a partnership between South Korea-based 174 Power Global and La Paz County, which aims to establish an 850 megawatt solar facility on 4,000 acres of previously BLM-managed land. This site is strategically located north of Interstate 10, adjacent to the Ten West Link Transmission Line that will transport power from Arizona to California.

174 Power Global operates under the umbrella of Hanwha Group, which is a significant player in the global energy market. The BLM has reiterated its commitment to managing public lands effectively to enhance the nation’s renewable energy landscape, allowing for the environmentally sound development of solar energy resources.

Reporter John Gutekunst from Parker Pioneer contributed to this coverage.