The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) will prepare a new environmental analysis for the Greenlink North transmission line following challenges from conservation organizations and local governments. The approximately 350-mile line is intended to transport electricity from energy projects in northern Nevada to communities in the south.
Environmental Concerns Prompt Review
Opponents of the project contend that the initial environmental review did not sufficiently consider the potential impacts on sensitive wildlife habitats, specifically those of the greater sage grouse. The range of the greater sage grouse has steadily declined across the West.
Patrick Donnelly, Great Basin director at the Center for Biological Diversity, emphasized that the core of the debate isn’t about the need for new transmission lines, but rather their placement. “Transmission is going to get built, and we need to pick the least harmful places to do it,” Donnelly stated. He argued that the proposed route for Greenlink North traverses critical habitat for the greater sage grouse and could cause “irreparable harm” to the species and its habitat in central Nevada.
Sage Grouse and Public Lands
The greater sage grouse relies on extensive, undisturbed sagebrush ecosystems, much of which is located on public land. Disputes over energy development, grazing, and mining have frequently centered on the protection of this species and its habitat.
BLM officials have indicated that the supplemental environmental review will focus on alternative routes, potential land-use conflicts, and impacts to wildlife. The agency has not yet provided a timeline for completion of the new analysis.
Some advocates believe this decision could have broader implications, potentially influencing how federal agencies approach balancing energy development with conservation efforts throughout the Mountain West.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Greenlink North transmission line?
The Greenlink North transmission line is a roughly 350-mile project designed to carry electricity from energy projects in northern Nevada to population centers farther south.
Why is the greater sage grouse a concern?
The greater sage grouse depends on large, intact stretches of sagebrush ecosystem, and its range has steadily declined across the West. Opponents of the Greenlink North project argue the proposed route could cause irreparable harm to the species and its habitat.
What will the BLM do next?
The BLM will prepare a new environmental analysis for the Greenlink North transmission line, taking a closer look at routing options, land-use conflicts, and wildlife impacts.
How will the balance between energy development and conservation be navigated in the future?
