Solar Project in Riverside County
Credit: Bob Wick/BLM

December 31, 2023 - PALM SPRINGS, Calif. – The Bureau of Land Management is seeking public comment on new solar energy work in eastern Riverside County. If approved, the Sapphire Project could generate and store up to 117 megawatts of photovoltaic solar energy and deliver renewable electricity to the statewide transmission grid.

The project would include approximately 41 acres of public lands for access roads, facilities, and lines to transmit the power. The planned solar panel arrays, battery energy storage, and related facilities would sit on about 1,082 acres of adjoining private land.

“Clean energy remains a BLM top priority,” said California Desert District Manager Shelly Lynch.  “BLM-managed public lands offer a tremendous opportunity to advance solar technology, and we value public input in the process.” 

The BLM plans to hold a public meeting on Monday, Jan. 8, from 5:30-7:30 p.m. at the Lake Tamarisk Golf Course Clubhouse (also known as the CSA Hall), located at 26251 Parkview Drive, in Desert Center. A virtual public meeting will be held via Zoom on Tuesday, Jan. 9, from 5:30-7:30 p.m. Please register in advance to attend the virtual meeting.

During the 30-day public scoping period, the BLM will gather input that will help inform an environmental assessment considering the proposal. The comment period closes January 18, 2024. Written comments may be submitted through the “Participate Now” function at the BLM National NEPA Register (preferred), emailed to blm_ca_pssc_sapphire@blm.gov, or delivered to the Palm Springs – South Coast Field Office (Attn:  Sapphire Project) located at 1201 Bird Center Drive in Palm Springs, CA 92262.

The BLM manages vast stretches of public lands that have the potential to make significant contributions to the nation’s renewable energy portfolio. To promote the development of these energy sources, the BLM provides sites for environmentally sound development of renewable energy on public lands. The efficient deployment of renewable energy from our nation’s public lands is crucial in achieving the Biden-Harris administration’s goal of a carbon pollution-free power sector by 2035, as well as Congress’ direction in the Energy Act of 2020 to permit 25 gigawatts of solar, wind, and geothermal production on public lands no later than 2025.

For additional information, please contact Amanda Moore, Project Manager, at 503-930-4133.
Source: BLM