RPC finds Sunseeker solar facility in conformance and adopts regional plan amendment

The Truckee Meadows Regional Planning Commission on Nov. 17 voted to find the proposed Sunseeker solar energy generation facility a project of regional significance and to amend the 2024 Truckee Meadows Regional Plan to add a utility site for an associated electrical substation.

TMRPA planner Chris Tolley described the proposal as “a proposed 250-megawatt solar energy generation facility and electrical substation,” sited roughly 4 miles northeast of the Fish Springs Road intersection on Rainbow Way. Tolley said the subject property totals about 1,128 acres across 22–23 parcels and that Washoe County planning staff, Bureau of Land Management, Nevada Department of Wildlife and tribal reviewers had been afforded an opportunity to comment during the county review.

Tolley told commissioners that the project “supports regional plan policy PF18, regional renewable energy generation,” and that staff recommended the conformance review and the regional plan amendment. Following the presentation and with no public comment, a commissioner moved to find the project of regional significance and the commission voted in favor; commissioners then separately moved to adopt RPC Resolution 25-04 to amend Map 3 of the regional plan to show the utility site, and that motion also passed.

The amendment and conformance finding do not authorize construction; Tolley and staff said subsequent local entitlements, permits and any required conditions would be processed through Washoe County and relevant agencies and that the conformance finding reflects only the change necessary on the regional plan maps and policies. The commission’s action directs staff to include the amendment in the regional plan and to coordinate follow-up with county and jurisdictional partners.