Proposed Pahrump solar project faces opposition over wildlife, public land concerns
LAS VEGAS (KLAS) — A proposed solar project south of Pahrump could become one of the largest in Nevada, but not everyone is on board.
The Purple Sage Energy Center would generate enough electricity to power more than 100,000 homes, but critics said the project could come at a cost to wildlife, public lands, and local resources.
“Is this something that helps us? Is this something that we want? Is this something that we need? I always look at risk-reward. Is the risk worth the reward, and I just don’t see any reward here,” said Nye County Commissioner Ian Bayne.
The proposed energy Center would cover more than 4,500 acres of public land near the Nevada-California border, turning the desert landscape into a 400-megawatt solar facility.
The Bureau of Land Management has released its final environmental review for the project, which would be located roughly 13 miles south of Pahrump. Much of that energy would be sold to California through an existing power purchase agreement.
Bayne said he’s historically opposed all solar projects, arguing the impacts outweigh their benefits for residents.
“I am concerned about the safety of it, the functionality of it. Is this something that in 20 years we’re even going to be doing,” said Bayne.
Supporters argue that projects like this are critical as demand for clean energy continues to grow.
But Bayne said the debate isn’t about solar power itself; it’s about where these large-scale developments should be built and whether the environmental tradeoffs are worth it.
“We are a target for people who want to come in and make money, and they see us as an easy to do that we don’t have a lot of the oversight that larger places like Clark County have,” said Bayne.
Environmental groups have also raised concerns about the project’s footprint. According to the BLM review, construction would permanently affect hundreds of acres of habitat, including areas used by desert tortoises and other sensitive species.
Russell Kuhlman with the Nevada Wildlife Federation said Nevada can continue expanding renewable energy while avoiding some of the state’s most environmentally sensitive landscapes.
“The most critical step is identifying these areas to develop, and where these areas are acceptable,” said Kuhlman.
The proposal is now entering a 30-day protest period, allowing members of the public to submit objections before a final decision is made.
The protest period runs through July 13th.
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