BLM Solar Facilities

The BLM’s general policy is to facilitate environmentally responsible commercial development of solar energy projects on public lands and to use solar energy systems on BLM facilities where feasible. Applications for commercial solar energy facilities will be processed as right-of-way authorizations under Title V of the Federal Land Policy and Management Act (FLPMA) and Title 43, Part 2804 of the Code of Federal Regulations (CFR).  All ROW applications are required to include NEPA analysis and the compliance requirements with the Endangered Species Act, the Migratory Bird Treaty Act and the National Historic Preservation Act. 

Reagan Smith Energy Solutions can act as a governmental liaison throughout the application process.  Our environmental and permitting staff can prepare all aspects of the permit and assist in compliance.  We can streamline the process by combining the environmental review process for a solar energy development project with other required State or local environmental requirements.   Please contact Scott St. John at sstjohn@rsenergysolutions.com for more information.

Solar Maps

The Department of Energy’s National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) has prepared solar insolation potential maps at the request of the BLM for Arizona, California, Nevada, and New Mexico. The maps identify areas with one percent or less slope with high levels of solar insolation that have potential for commercial solar energy development.