The BLM Battle Mountain District Office has released a draft Resource Management Plan Amendment and associated Programmatic Environmental Impact Statement for the Esmeralda Seven Solar Projects in Esmeralda County, Nevada. The PEIS analyzes three alternatives, including development of seven utility-scale photovoltaic solar facilities on approximately 118,630.9 acres of BLM-administered public lands, a soils and vegetation conservation alternative imposing stricter grading and slope limits, and a no-action alternative. The PEIS evaluates cumulative effects on air, biological, cultural, hydrologic, socioeconomic, and visual resources. The 90-day public comment period closes October 24, 2024, with a final PEIS expected in late 2024 and a Record of Decision in early 2025.12