|
This Web site is the online center for public information and involvement in the Programmatic Environmental Impact Statement for Solar Energy Development in Six Southwestern States (Solar Energy Development PEIS).
| Announcements |
|
Public Meeting added in Colorado
BLM and DOE will be holding a public meeting in Alamosa, Colorado on Wednesday, January 11. For details, see Public Meetings.
|
|
DOI and DOE Announce Availability of the Supplement to the Draft Solar PEIS
On October 27, 2011, the Supplement to the Draft Solar PEIS became available for downloading or browsing online. See the BLM press release and the Notice of Availability for more information.
|
|
DOI and DOE Announce Next Step for the Solar PEIS
On July 14, 2011, Secretary of the Interior Ken Salazar and Secretary of Energy Steven Chu announced that the timeline for the Solar PEIS will be extended to address key issues identified in public comments. The agencies intend to address these issues through preparation and release of a targeted supplement document.
Details on the content of the supplement document and expected schedule for issuance are available in the BLM Press Release.
|
|
Draft Programmatic EIS Now Available
The Solar Energy Development Draft PEIS is now available for downloading or browsing online. See the BLM and DOE press releases and the Notice of Availability for more information.
|
|
Solar Energy Development PEIS Maps Available
Programmatic EIS maps and spatial data are available for downloading in several formats, or for interactive online viewing.
|
|
Public Participation
Public participation in the Solar Energy Development PEIS is important. This Web site provides information and services to help you participate in the PEIS process.
About the EIS
EIS purpose, scope, alternatives, and schedule.
Getting Involved
How to participate in the PEIS process; public meeting transcripts and information; and how public comments are used in the PEIS process. Transcripts from the February and March 2011 public meetings on the Draft PEIS are available on the Public Meetings page.
Solar Energy and Transmission Guide
Utility-scale solar energy and electric transmission basics, environmental issues, maps, and links to related resources on the World Wide Web.
Proposed Solar Energy Zones
Interactive maps, summaries, and photo panoramas of solar energy zones proposed as priority locations for solar development.
PEIS Maps
Maps, interactive mapping tools, and supporting spatial data for downloading/online viewing.
EIS Documents
EIS-related documents for downloading or online browsing.
Other Resources
Other resources include a list of frequently asked questions (FAQs), news updates, and e-mail notices of important events.
Background Information
In response to direction from Congress under several federal orders and mandates, including Section 211 of the Energy Policy Act of 2005, as well as Executive Order 13212, Actions to Expedite Energy-Related Projects, the Agencies are evaluating how environmentally responsible utility-scale solar energy projects can be facilitated through developing and implementing agency-specific programs or guidance that would establish environmental policies and mitigation strategies for solar energy development. Utility-scale solar energy projects generate electricity that is distributed to consumers through the electric power transmission grid.
The BLM has received a large number of utility-scale solar energy project proposals for BLM-administered lands, mainly in Arizona, California, and Nevada. It currently processes solar energy right-of-way applications for lands under a set of Solar Energy Polices, which, among other objectives, establish requirements for solar energy project environmental review. BLM's policies, published in Instruction Memoranda, are available for downloading on the Documents page. The DOE's EERE Solar Energy Technologies Program currently addresses environmental concerns for projects it sponsors on a case-by-case basis.
For additional background information, see the Notice of Intent for the Solar Energy Development PEIS, the BLM press release announcing the PEIS, and the Frequently Asked Questions page.
|
 |
 Print version
|
