Nye County commissioners approved a preliminary development plan and special use permit for the proposed Copper Rays Solar project despite continued objections from residents.
PAHRUMP — Preliminary development plans for a large-scale solar generation facility on the border of Nye County and Clark County won key early support from Nye County commissioners on Tuesday despite continued community opposition.
Copper Rays Solar has been proposed as a large-scale commercial solar generation facility on 4,414 acres of BLM land just southeast of Pahrump. The Bureau of Land Management issued its final environmental impact statement for the project in August, and the developer has started the process of obtaining local approvals.
Commissioners voted 4 to 1 on Tuesday to grant developer Duane Enger a special use permit and approve a preliminary development plan required under Nye County code. The vote followed an hour of public comment during which several residents expressed concerns over the project’s impact on water and the environment and skepticism about taking the developer at his word.
“Do we really want Pahrump to look like this? Do we really want this in our town?” Nanette Markham asked, while Joanie Hawley said, “If I had known then what I know now about all of the solar projects and everything going on in this county, we would not have moved here — and we could have moved anywhere in the United States.”
Other speakers emphasized the employment opportunities, particularly during construction, as well as the promised financial benefits.
“I think we can have good jobs, a stronger local economy and a responsible development at that same time,” Jake Macias remarked.
Enger said the project would generate up to $94 million in local property tax revenue over its 36-year operating life, or more than $2 million annually, and provide up to $1 million per year in federal lease revenue.
Additionally, a BLM report said the 54-month construction period for the project would generate up to 400 jobs. Once complete, the project would have five employees, and Enger said the company aims to give locals priority when filling those positions.
“Beyond these benefits, the legally binding development agreement proposes up to $10 million in community investments, supporting public safety, fire protection, water stewardship, scholarships and recreational facilities. These commitments reflect community feedback and create lasting benefits for Pahrump,” Enger said.
He said the solar farm has been designed to reduce water demand during construction, though he did not say by how much, and use only about 10 acre-feet of water during each year of operation. He said the company would only grade a small portion of the property and added that tortoises would be relocated and native plants such as yuccas and cacti would be salvaged.
Enger won praise from commissioners for his company’s promises to work with the community.
“My whole entire life I’ve been a developer and I have never dealt with people who were so open and so eager to work their butts off to be transparent and be available for questions,” commission chair Ron Boskovich agreed. “I appreciate the outreach from this group on this project.”
Commissioner John Koenig concurred, pointing out that the developers have even promised to preserve all off-highway vehicle trails that run through the property. “It was unbelievable dealing with them. I trust them, and I don’t trust many people,” he stated.
For more information on the Copper Rays Solar project, visit LREUS.com or EPlanning.BLM.gov
Contact reporter Robin Hebrock at rhebrock@pvtimes.com.
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