Nevada is at the center of a heated debate about solar energy. The federal government’s plan for solar development across the West targets more than 11 million acres of Nevada’s land, raising serious questions about the impact on the state’s environment, water resources, and cultural heritage.
Nevada Bears the Brunt
While nearly 32 million acres across the western U.S. have been identified for potential solar projects, Nevada shoulders a significant portion of that burden. The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) says the Silver State has the “most potential” for large-scale solar farms, but that designation comes with challenges.
Nevada is already stretched thin when it comes to natural resources like water, and many rural counties lack the infrastructure or staff to properly manage the influx of solar developers.
Nye County, for instance, relies solely on groundwater wells, and solar construction could strain its limited water supply. Experts warn that projects like these can consume up to 1,000 acre-feet of water per site—a staggering demand in an already arid region.
Threats to Sacred and Cultural Sites
For decades, Nevada tribes have fought to protect Bahsahwahbee, also known as Swamp Cedars, a sacred site near Ely. This area is deeply significant to the Ely Shoshone and Goshute tribes, who see it as a memorial to ancestors lost in massacres during the 19th century.
The BLM’s plan allows for roughly 7,000 acres of Bahsahwahbee to be opened to solar development, a move tribal leaders call devastating. “They chose to lay a foundation to destroy this place we’ve fought for generations to protect,” said Alvin Marques, chairman of the Ely Shoshone Tribe.
Local environmentalists echo these concerns. They argue that the plan sacrifices irreplaceable cultural and natural landscapes in favor of industrial-scale solar farms.
Water, Wildlife, and a Shrinking Mojave Desert
The Mojave Desert is already under pressure from development, and solar projects could tip the balance further. Nevada’s fragile desert tortoise population is one of the many species at risk. Conservationists say current plans to mitigate harm to wildlife are insufficient and could lead to lasting ecological damage.
Water use is another pressing concern. The Amargosa River, vital for Nye County residents and the surrounding ecosystem, faces potential strain from nearby solar farms. Experts warn that the county’s limited water supply—only about 20,000 acre-feet annually from snowpack recharge—cannot support the needs of both residents and new developments.
What Happens Next?
With President-elect Donald Trump set to take office, Nevada’s solar future is uncertain. Trump has expressed mixed views on solar energy—calling himself a “big fan” while criticizing the amount of land it consumes. His pick for Interior Secretary, former North Dakota Governor Doug Burgum, could decide to revise or even cancel the current solar plan.
Nevada Governor Joe Lombardo has already voiced his opposition, stating the plan “places enormous pressure on our rural counties.” Some experts believe Trump might side with Lombardo, especially as he looks to shore up support in rural areas.
Balancing Energy and Nevada’s Needs
As solar development accelerates, Nevada finds itself at a crossroads. The push for renewable energy must be balanced with protecting the state’s water, wildlife, and cultural heritage.
For many Nevadans, the current plan feels like an imposition—one that prioritizes large-scale solar farms over the needs of local communities and ecosystems. With Trump’s administration preparing to take the reins, the future of solar in Nevada hangs in the balance. Whether the incoming leadership will listen to these concerns remains to be seen.
This isn’t just about solar energy. It’s about Nevada’s identity, resources, and the fight to protect what makes the state unique.
This article was AI-generated. Please verify information and consult additional sources as needed. Source: Las Vegas Review-Journal