Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Environmental Review topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Sweetwater County signs on as cooperating agency for Jackalope Wind Energy Project environmental review
Summary
The commissioners approved an MOU to make Sweetwater County a cooperating agency with the Bureau of Land Management on the Jackalope Wind Energy Project EIS; the step establishes county participation in the federal environmental-review process but does not endorse the project itself.
The Sweetwater County Board of County Commissioners on Jan. 21 approved a memorandum of understanding making the county a cooperating agency with the U.S. Bureau of Land Management on the Jackalope Wind Energy Project environmental-impact statement (EIS).
Commissioner Richards moved to approve the MOU and Commissioner Toman seconded; the motion passed unanimously. Commissioner Jones was named as the county point of contact for the MOU.
County staff did not present project-level details during the motion; the MOU establishes the county's role in coordinating with the BLM during the EIS process. Sweetwater County's participation gives the county access to project materials and an opportunity to provide technical and local information to the federal review but does not constitute project approval or commit the county to a position on the proposed wind project.
Why it matters: being a cooperating agency allows Sweetwater County to monitor analysis, raise local concerns and submit technical input early in the federal environmental-review process. The EIS process can materially affect siting, mitigation measures and permit outcomes for large energy projects.
Ending: The board authorized staff to coordinate with the BLM; the county will designate a point of contact and follow the BLM schedule for document review and comments.
