BLM approves one more major solar project near Las Vegas

By Scott Streater | 01/17/2025 01:43 PM EST

The project marks the 13th utility-scale solar project the Bureau of Land Management has approved during the Biden administration.

Rows of solar panels operate.

Since President Joe Biden took office in January 2021, BLM has now approved 29 solar, wind and geothermal power projects across the West. Ethan Miller/Getty Images

The Bureau of Land Management has approved a major new solar power project in a valley west of Las Vegas, days before President Joe Biden leaves office.

The record of decision approving the Rough Hat Clark Solar Project in southern Nevada marks the 13th utility-scale solar project BLM has approved during the Biden administration. It would cover about 2,400 acres of federal lands and have a capacity to produce enough electricity to power about 120,000 homes.

Since Biden took office in January 2021, BLM has now approved 29 solar, wind and geothermal power projects across the West, as well as another 18 gen-tie power lines designed to connect projects in mostly remote areas to the electricity grid.

Advertisement

Rough Hat Clark is almost certainly the last major renewable energy project the Biden administration will get across the permitting finish line before President-elect Donald Trump’s inauguration on Monday.

GET FULL ACCESS