Nevada’s solar energy expansion may face challenges due to increased oversight from the Interior Department, as expressed by Governor Joe Lombardo in a recent letter to the Trump administration. The governor highlighted concerns over a directive requiring Interior Secretary Doug Burgum to personally approve all stages of solar and wind project developments on public lands. This includes a broad range of documents typically approved by state Bureau of Land Management directors.
Governor Lombardo indicated that this added layer of oversight could stall projects already in progress, which are crucial for supporting Nevada’s growing data centers and mining industries. Data centers, in particular, are placing significant demands on the state’s energy grid, as noted in a report by the nonprofit Western Resource Advocates.
The Interior Department’s new policy is defended by spokeswoman Elizabeth Peace, who stated that it aims to enhance accountability and ensure responsible use of taxpayer funds while balancing energy development priorities.
Nevada is poised for substantial solar growth, identified as a key area in the 2024 Western Solar Plan. Projects underway are projected to generate 33 gigawatts of energy, potentially bringing in $6 billion in taxes and creating numerous high-paying jobs.
Governor Lombardo expressed alignment with President Trump’s “all-of-the-above” energy strategy, advocating for no preferential treatment in energy source permitting. He cited several NV Energy agreements and projects, including the Greenlink energy transmission lines, that could be impacted by the memo, stressing their importance for the state’s economic and industrial objectives.
In his letter, Lombardo proposed narrowing the memo’s focus to public land projects, improving guidance for state BLM and Fish and Wildlife Service offices, and streamlining the permitting process to prevent delays. He emphasized the potential loss of jobs and economic benefits for Nevadans if these energy projects are hindered.