In April, Clearway Energy Group wrote to the Bureau of Land Management to amend a 2021 application to build a 500-megawatt solar project on federal land in Nevada and replace it with a data center and natural gas facility. Clearway’s plans for the gas plant and data center were a departure from the company’s regular business model, which has primarily focused on renewable energy generation. The group is currently one of the largest renewable energy generators in the country, with around 11 GW of wind, solar, and battery energy storage capacity.
Jael Holzman with Heatmap obtained a copy of Clearway’s April 3 letter requesting the change, which states, “This amendment is the result of a shift in our internal development priorities and an updated assessment of project timing, in order to better align with the goals of our Administration.” The Department of the Interior under Trump had previously issued a memo mandating that all solar and wind energy projects on public lands be personally approved by Interior Secretary Doug Burgum, bringing the permitting process to a crawl.
Holzman reported on Monday that Clearway now says it is backing off its plans to build a data center and gas power plant on federal land. In a statement provided to Holzman the company said, “Since our initial filing, we’ve evaluated how to make the best use of this public land in a way that serves its intended purpose: the public interest. As a clean energy developer and operator, our focus in Nevada remains solar and battery storage.” Clearway also sent a letter to BLM on Monday formally alerting the agency it has no plans to build the data center. The company is working with the BLM to advance a different 500-megawatt solar energy project in Nevada that could produce enough energy to power more than 200,000 homes in California and Nevada.
Quick hits
Utah’s national monuments keep getting smaller. Here’s why
Energy developer backs off plans to build data center and natural gas facility in lieu of solar project on federal land
Heatmap | Data Center Dynamics
Wildfire veterans fear federal tactics, extreme fires could put crews at risk
Border wall contractors ordered to stop drilling wells in drought-stricken New Mexico
Associated Press | Santa Fe New Mexican | The Guardian
Can Bears Ears be saved following Trump’s cuts? Tribes, conservation groups seek solutions
Lawmakers call on Interior watchdog to investigate reflecting pool fiasco
onX just made it much easier to speak up for public lands
Opinion: Pirro throws Burgum under the bus; he doubles down on reflecting pool ‘vandalism’
Quote of the day
It’s disconcerting that Interior department officials were apparently willing to perpetuate false narratives to create scapegoats. Interior Secretary Doug Burgum continues to insist the damage was the work of vandals.”
—Washington Post Editorial Board
Picture This
Peak fire activity is underway, and many communities are feeling the heat! As you explore our beautiful public lands, let’s work together to minimize the risk of human-caused wildfires. With numerous lightning-caused fires already keeping wildland firefighters busy, we can all do our part to prevent additional wildfires. Here’s how you can help:
🌲 Check for fire restrictions before heading out.
🔥 Use campfires only in designated areas and ensure they’re completely extinguished.
🚗 Keep vehicles on designated roads and avoid parking on dry grass.
🚬 Dispose of smoking materials responsibly.
🗑️ Pack out your trash and leave our public lands even better than you found them!
Remember, one spark can change everything. Together, we can protect our public lands, wildlife, and the communities that cherish these spaces. Let’s make this season safe and enjoyable for everyone! 💚
Featured image: Crescent Dunes solar energy project. Photo by BLM Nevada.