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BLM warns NEPA changes, secretarial review will delay many Nevada solar projects; Libra Solar paused
Summary
BLM officials told Lyon County commissioners that Department of Interior NEPA reforms shorten review timelines and narrow routine public involvement, and that a July 2025 secretarial memo has put several wind and solar projects — including Libra Solar — on pause pending secretary-level concurrence.
CARSON CITY — Bureau of Land Management officials briefed the Lyon County Board of County Commissioners on Nov. 20 about recent federal changes to environmental review rules and the status of regional energy projects, warning that many renewables projects will face delays.
Kimberly Dow, district manager for the BLM Carson City District, said the Department of Interior has adopted a single NEPA handbook for DOI agencies that imposes page and time limits — 75 pages and one year for environmental assessments (EAs) and 150 pages and two years for environmental impact statements (EIS). "Public involvement is now generally limited to mandatory requirements or when it's determined to be warranted," Dow said, adding that BLM Nevada's existing internal timelines (shorter than DOI's limits) will continue to govern many reviews.
Dow told commissioners the changes mean that for many projects the public’s first opportunity to comment may come only after a final EA or final EIS and decision…
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