Senators’ bill transfers 4,800 acres to La Paz County, creating jobs and boosting solar energy development
WASHINGTON – Arizona Senators Kyrsten Sinema and Mark Kelly introduced the La Paz County Solar Energy and Job Creation Act to transfer 4,800 acres of Bureau of Land Management land to La Paz County for economic development, creating jobs while boosting affordable, renewable energy.
“We’re continuing our efforts with La Paz County leaders to create good-paying Arizona jobs, boost affordable energy, and ensure La Paz County’s economy continues to grow,” said Sinema.
“This is an important next step to create good-paying renewable energy jobs in La Paz County, and we’ll continue working alongside local leaders to expand economic opportunity in the county,” said Kelly.
“I am proud to join my colleagues from Arizona introducing the La Paz County Land Solar Development and Job Creation Act of 2021. This critical legislation will continue our goal of creating and expanding the job and energy hub in La Paz county that was started with the land conveyance in 2019. Passing this important legislation will continue our shared goals to create jobs, advance our technology, and ensure that Arizonans will have more affordable energy. In the end, this bill empowers our local government to make land management decisions that better their own communities,” said Rep. Paul Gosar (AZ-04).
“The La Paz County Board of Supervisors genuinely appreciates Senator Sinema introducing the La Paz County Solar Development and Job Creation Act of 2021. This important legislation continues La Paz County’s strategy to promote economic vitality and provide jobs for our residents through sustainable solar power renewable energy development. La Paz County is home to the world’s best solar resources. This area is immediately adjacent to the Ten West transmission line linking these renewable resources directly to Phoenix and southern California. This bill builds on prior phase 1 legislation enacted in 2019 which has enabled La Paz County to announce development of the largest planned PV solar project in the United States. As with phase 1, this land will be sold to the County for fair market value with the full involvement of the Colorado River Indian Tribes, other community stakeholders and in compliance with all environmental laws,” said Chairman Duce Minor, La Paz County Supervisor.
While in the U.S. House, Sinema championed a La Paz County Land Transfer of 5,900 acres. In 2019, Sinema helped that land transfer pass into law. Last year, Sinema introduced the bipartisan La Paz County Solar Energy and Job Creation Act and today Sinema and Kelly continued those efforts. The Senators’ legislation builds off of the 2019 land transfer’s success and transfers an additional 4,800 acres of Bureau of Land Management land to La Paz County at fair market value for economic development including solar energy projects.
Arizona Congressman Paul Gosar introduced a companion bill in the U.S. House.