FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
September 24, 2024

Bureau of Land Management Temporarily Sets Aside Lands for Proposed Solar Energy Projects in Western Arizona

PHOENIX – The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) today announced that it is temporarily dedicating approximately 11,560 acres of public lands in La Paz County for potential development of three proposed solar energy projects.

Upon the Notice of Segregation’s publication in this week’s Federal Register, the associated lands for the Socorro, Parker and Eagle Eye Solar Projects will be withdrawn from public land laws for two years. This includes mining laws but does not cover the Mineral Leasing or Materials Act, subject to the validation of existing rights.

The proposed Socorro Solar project includes around 3,920 acres near the Town of Quartzsite. The Parker Solar project proposes to use some 1,960 acres near the Town of Parker, and the Eagle Eye Solar project will potentially occupy approximately 5,680 acres near unincorporated Wenden.

“These measures ensure the renewable energy proposal’s evaluation and potential development are not hindered by incompatible land use proposals or filings during the environmental analysis and application review process,” said Mark Morberg, BLM Arizona Deputy State Director for Lands, Minerals, Energy, and Cadastral Survey.

The BLM manages substantial territories of public lands that have significant potential to contribute to the country’s renewable energy portfolio. As part of its mission, the BLM provides sites for the environmentally sound development of renewable energy on public lands. This efficient deployment of renewable energy is key to achieving the Biden-Harris administration’s goal of a carbon-free power sector by 2035.

The Bureau manages over 245 million acres of publicly-owned lands primarily in 12 Western states, including Alaska, on behalf of the American people. In addition, the BLM administers 700 million acres of sub-surface mineral estate national-wide. The Bureau’s mission entails ensuring the health, diversity, and productivity of these public lands for current and future generations to use and enjoy.

For more information, please contact Jason VanBuskirk, Public Affairs Specialist at the Bureau of Land Management, Colorado River District at jvanbuskirk@blm.gov.

– BLM –

The original announcement is available online at: https://www.blm.gov/announcement/blm-temporarily-sets-aside-lands-while-considering-three-proposed-solar-energy