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Lyon County commissioners unanimously recommend state approval of NV Energy water change for Sierra solar project
Summary
The Lyon County Board of Commissioners voted 5-0 Aug. 7 to send an advisory recommendation to the State Engineer supporting NV Energy’s water change applications that would allow temporary use of Fernley-held water in Churchill County to construct the Sierra solar and battery project.
The Lyon County Board of Commissioners on Aug. 7 voted 5-0 to recommend that the State Engineer approve a set of NV Energy water change applications to enable construction of the Sierra solar and battery project in Churchill County.
NV Energy representative Jennifer Shawhin told the board the applications, filed April 29, 2025, would allow continued use of water within Churchill County to support construction of a project that could deliver "up to 400 megawatts of clean energy and battery storage." She asked the clerk to provide the State Engineer a summary letter of the board’s final recommendation at the conclusion of the meeting so the applicant would not be delayed in filing documentation.
The board’s recommendation is advisory only; the State Engineer makes the formal decision. Commissioners and residents pressed for detail about where the water originates, how long it would be used and whether the transfers would drain Lyon County resources.
County manager Andrew Haskin confirmed the water rights involved are senior rights held by the City of Fernley and said the city is leasing those rights to NV Energy for construction. "I believe that the City of Fernley is leasing these water rights to NV Energy, for the construction of the project," Haskin said, adding the lease is for a temporary, two-year period to pump water at the construction site.
At least one resident voiced concern about moving water out of Lyon County. Jim Campbell told the board, "We have enough problems with water in Lyon County without giving it to somebody else."
Commissioner Rob Jacobson moved that the board recommend approval of the State Engineer change applications (numbers 94356, 94357, 94358 and 94359) to change the point of diversion, place of use and manner of use on a portion of existing permit 80184 from an underground source in Lyon County to a new point of diversion and place of use in Churchill County. Commissioner Dan Hendricks seconded the motion. The board voted 5-0 in favor.
The board packet notes the application was before the board last year, when the board took no action; the reappearance reflects the limited-duration nature of the requested use and the need to reauthorize the temporary lease each year. The decision now moves to the State Engineer for final action.
