Large solar-plus-storage project on tribal lands in Nevada moves step closer to construction
The Interior Department [Friday] advanced a solar energy project in southern Nevada that could be the first of many commercial-scale renewable energy proposals in the next few years on Native American lands.
The Bureau of Indian Affairs released the draft environmental impact statement (EIS) for the Southern Bighorn Solar Project, which would include two photovoltaic power plants on about 3,600 acres on a Moapa Band of Paiute Indians reservation northeast of Las Vegas.
The total project would have the capacity to produce about 400 megawatts of electricity enough to power roughly 120,000 homes and include battery storage that would allow it to feed electricity to the power grid long after the sun sets.
Published: Monday, March 1, 2021
Sen. Rob Portman (R-Ohio). Photo credit: CNP/AdMedia/SIPA/Newscom
Sen. Rob Portman (R-Ohio) during the Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs hearing on Neera Tanden to lead the White House budget office. CNP/AdMedia/SIPA/Newscom
Earlier this month, Sen. Rob Portman (R-Ohio) urged Office of Management and Budget director nominee Neera Tanden to support extending a federal program that speeds up infrastructure permitting.
To the surprise of some observers and advocates, Tanden agreed. Yes, senator you are absolutely right, she said during one of her confirmation hearings. This has been a very successful program a 60% reduction in time for permitting since 2016.