The Mega Solar Array at MGM Resorts in Dry Lake Valley, Nevada was launched on June 28, 2021. The project spans 640 acres of desert, located about 30 miles north of the Las Vegas Strip in the Dry Lake Solar Energy Zone. The panels, shown in an aerial view captured by Ethan Miller/Getty Images, are part of a larger trend of industrial-scale solar farms popping up in the desert. These projects, such as the “Esmeralda Seven” near the California border, are expected to provide enough power for three million homes. However, not everyone is on board with this solar boom. Residents like Mary Jane Zakas, who lives near the proposed projects, feel that the benefits are minimal and the impact on the local environment and wildlife is significant. They also believe that the push for renewable energy is being forced upon them by the Biden administration. This issue has gained attention in light of the 2024 Election, where Nevada voted for a Republican president for the first time in twenty years. However, it is uncertain if the Trump administration will take action to slow down the solar boom. Meanwhile, the Biden administration has set a goal of achieving 100% renewable energy by 2035, with a significant portion of that coming from federal land. The Department of Interior’s Western Solar Plan, which is set to be finalized soon, could potentially open up millions of acres of federal land in eleven western states for solar development. While federal land managers claim that the plan identifies the least disruptive locations, there is still controversy surrounding the impact of these projects on the environment and local communities.
Gio. Dic 26th, 2024
