Bill establishes 14,000 acre pilot project for solar energy leasing

June 11, 2010

Washington, D.C. – Nevada Senator Harry Reid and Congressman Dean Heller yesterday introduced companion bills in the Senate and House of Representatives to establish a solar leasing pilot program in Lincoln County. The legislation designates two solar leasing zones for commercial development in Delamar Valley and Dry Lake Valley and directs the Bureau of Land Management to promulgate regulations that could soon guide solar leasing throughout the West. The bill also reinvests solar revenues back into the county, the state, and critical wildlife habitat improvement efforts. 

“This legislation will create jobs, support rural communities, bolster wildlife, and help increase our nation’s energy independence,” said Reid. “The American Solar Energy Pilot Leasing Act takes a significant step toward realizing Nevada’s potential as the leader in clean and renewable energy.  This bill was crafted with Lincoln County, sportsmen, ranchers, conservationists and others who care about getting solar development right.  I am hopeful that this bipartisan effort can be used as a model for solar energy development across the West.”

“Nevada has the potential to be the renewable energy capital of the United States.  This legislation is a result of a collaborative process that will be a model for responsible energy development, create jobs, and help Nevada realize its renewable energy potential. I am pleased to work with Senator Reid and Lincoln County in this effort,” said Heller.  

“There is no question that major commercial solar projects will soon be found all around the West.  It is critical that we choose the right locations for these facilities and that we do what’s needed to minimize their impact on existing land users and our natural resources – like wildlife and water,” said Larry Johnson, President of the Coalition for Nevada’s Wildlife.  “These two solar areas were chosen after a thorough and collaborative process beginning at the local level, and this legislation will provide serious funding for critical wildlife efforts.  This is renewable energy done right.”

Maps of the Solar Development  Zones:

http://reid.senate.gov/newsroom/upload/dry-lake-valley-solar-development-zone.pdf

http://reid.senate.gov/newsroom/upload/delamar-valley-solar-development-zones.pdf