Central Wyoming News

U.S. Senators John Barrasso and Jim Risch, along with several other Republican senators, have voiced their opposition to the Bureau of Land Management's rule for solar development. The senators expressed concerns that the rule could potentially limit other multiple land uses such as grazing, mineral development, and recreation.

In a letter addressed to BLM Director Tracy Stone-Manning, the senators emphasized the need for tailored, local strategies in land management, stating, "We have repeatedly learned one-size-fits-all rules do not work for ecologically and geographically diverse western landscapes." They also highlighted the importance of ensuring that solar projects do not interfere with existing multiple uses of public lands.

The senators urged for additional community outreach and listening sessions regarding the Updated Western Solar Plan, particularly in communities within the 10-mile preferred transmission access zone. They also requested the reopening and extension of the comment period to allow for more public engagement in affected communities.

The letter outlined specific questions for the BLM director, including inquiries about the change in the definition of "utility-scale solar," the potential withdrawal of land from mineral production, and the guarantee of no net loss in grazing on BLM land as a result of the solar development plan.

The senators concluded the letter by thanking Director Stone-Manning for attention to the matter and expressing their anticipation for a response.