Major Solar Project in Nevada Faces Setback as Review Cancelled

The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) has cancelled its environmental review of the **Esmeralda Seven Solar Project**, a proposed solar initiative in Nevada that aimed to be one of the largest solar farms globally. This decision, announced last week, halts the comprehensive examination of a joint project that would encompass over **62,000 acres**—nearly **100 square miles**—of public land situated approximately **30 miles** west of **Tonopah**.

The project was a collaborative effort among six solar energy companies, including **NextEra Energy Resources**, **Leeward Renewable Energy**, **Arevia Power**, and **Invenergy**. Under optimal conditions, the solar development was expected to generate up to **6.2 gigawatts** of energy, sufficient to power nearly **2 million homes**.

The Department of the Interior stated that it would now conduct separate reviews for each of the seven projects within the Esmeralda initiative rather than a unified environmental assessment. This change was described as a more effective approach to analyzing potential environmental impacts. An official spokesperson noted, “The BLM did not cancel the project. Instead of pursuing a programmatic level environmental analysis, the applicants will now have the option to submit individual project proposals to the BLM.”

The shift in the review process raises concerns about how many of the involved companies will continue with their individual proposals. A spokesperson for **NextEra Energy Resources** confirmed their commitment to the **Esmeralda Energy Center**, part of the larger initiative, emphasizing their dedication to a thorough environmental analysis in collaboration with the BLM.

In contrast, **Leeward Renewable Energy** did not provide further comments regarding the project’s status, and representatives from the other four companies involved have not responded to inquiries.

Kevin Emmerick, co-founder of **Basin and Range Watch**, expressed skepticism about the enthusiasm of solar companies to resubmit applications, citing challenges posed by tariffs and new regulations under the Trump administration. In July, the government mandated that all solar and wind energy projects on public lands require personal approval from Interior Secretary **Doug Burgum**, a requirement that **Nevada Governor Joe Lombardo** noted has already delayed several solar initiatives within the state.

Emmerick, who opposed the Esmeralda project, indicated that the cancellation of the broad environmental review was expected given the new approval requirements. He warned that the individual scrutiny required for each project could complicate development further, stating, “Solar and wind energy have several new layers of approval for each individual project, making a programmatic review for all seven projects very difficult.”

Federal land managers initially began reviewing the joint proposals in **2023** during the Biden administration, but the environmental review process faced delays starting with the change in leadership. A final environmental impact statement, which would typically precede a record of decision, was anticipated at the end of April but did not materialize.

The Esmeralda Seven Solar Project has faced substantial opposition from local residents and conservation groups, who argue that its size could adversely affect the environment and disrupt the way of life in rural communities. Several conservation organizations have urged federal authorities to relocate the project to designated “solar energy zones,” areas identified as optimal for solar development. Esmeralda County contains two such zones covering about **21,000 acres**.

**Shaaron Netherton**, executive director of **Friends of Nevada Wilderness**, expressed hope that the cancellation of the Esmeralda Seven Solar Project could pave the way for better sites for solar development in the future. “We need to focus on disturbed areas and utilize warehouse and data center roofs for solar before using vast stretches of our public lands,” she said, suggesting that areas already developed for industrial use could be ideal for solar energy production.

Local officials have also voiced frustrations regarding the lack of communication from solar companies proposing projects in their area. **Esmeralda County Commissioner Fred Perez** noted that despite more than a dozen solar projects being proposed, he has not received updates from any of the companies involved, including those associated with the Esmeralda Seven Solar Project.

**Ben Norris**, vice president of regulatory affairs for the **Solar Energy Industries Association**, called on the BLM for clarification regarding its decision to cancel the solar projects during the late stages of the review process. He stated, “We remain deeply concerned that this administration continues to flout the law to the detriment of consumers, the grid, and America’s economic competitiveness.”

The future of the Esmeralda Seven Solar Project remains uncertain as the involved companies reassess their plans under the new regulatory landscape.