Leeward Renewable Energy

Rural Nevada solar project nears approval despite opposition

The Nye County Commission approved a special use permit and preliminary development plan for Leeward Renewable Energy's 700-megawatt Copper Rays Solar Project, despite opposition from Commissioner Ian Bayne and conservation advocates. The project still requires federal approval and has raised concerns about impacts to water, energy resources, desert habitat and tortoises; the article also links the project to a previously enacted county ban on data centers and related litigation.