Final environmental analysis released for Desert Solar Project

The final environmental impact analysis for a proposed 500-megawatt solar project in the eastern county desert was released today.

The Palen Solar Project is proposed for the desert area north of Interstate 10, about 10 miles east of Desert Center.

A Bureau of Land Management statement said the project would provide energy for about 130,000 homes and would create an estimated 1,145 jobs during its peak.

“The BLM is committed to supporting responsible energy development that stabilizes the grid and strengthens the nation’s energy infrastructure,” said Beth Ransel, BLM California Desert district manager. “We welcome opportunities to help make public lands work for local communities.”

The proposal has received some pushback from environmentalists who believe the project will disrupt the habitats of sensitive species living in the proposed project area.

A 30-day protest period will open on Monday.

Printed and digital copies of the final draft are available at BLM’s Palm Springs office at 1201 Bird Center Drive and its Moreno Valley office at 22835 Calle San Juan de Los Lagos.