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Ely agrees to cooperate on Samantha Solar Project environmental review
Summary
The Ely City Council voted unanimously to participate as a cooperating agency on the Samantha Solar Project EIS to ensure local infrastructure and community impacts are considered. Council members referenced community concerns raised at the Natural Resources Advisory Committee.
The Ely City Council voted to participate as a cooperating agency on the Samantha Solar Project Environmental Impact Statement, saying the city wants a formal role in reviewing potential impacts on infrastructure and population.
Mayor Nathan Robertson said Ely is the closest community likely to be affected by construction and utility work and that participation will allow the city to maintain a voice in the federal review. Councilman Terrill Trask moved to approve cooperating agency status and Councilman Dennis Perea seconded; the motion passed unanimously.
Councilwoman Melody Van Camp summarized concerns raised at the Natural Resources Advisory Committee earlier in the week about the project, quoting attendees who warned of environmental damage and land-use impacts: “This project will fence 2,500 acres restricting elk, deer, and livestock from roving and grazing,” she said. Van Camp also noted rancher input and broader worries about cumulative projects in the region.
The Council’s cooperating-agency vote does not itself approve or deny the proposed solar project; it authorizes staff to engage with the EIS process and provide technical and community input during the federal review.
