The Lyon County Board of County Commissioners (BOCC) met on Thursday, November 20, 2025 to hear presentations and take action on several significant agenda items.

Highlights from the meeting include:

Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Presentation

The Board heard a presentation from BLM representatives on updates to federal environmental review regulations, geothermal projects, as well as solar project and battery storage facility applications in Lyon County.

In addition, BLM provided an overview of the Greenlink West transmission line construction and provided information related to the Fernley Land Conveyance and Atlantic Ritchfield Company (ARC) purchase of 2,062 acres of public lands in and around the Anaconda Copper Mine Site. 

Editor’s note: The following was added by Carson Now to Lyon County’s initial press release.

NEPA Changes Limit Public Involvement

The Department of Interior (DOI) issued new National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) procedures on June 30, 2025, consolidating guidance into a single handbook for all DOI agencies.

A significant shift under the new rules is the general reduction of public involvement opportunities. Moving forward, the BLM will primarily publish a final Environmental Assessment (EA) or a final Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) with the decision, which will often be the public’s initial opportunity to provide input. Previously, the process typically included scoping and the publication of a preliminary document for public comment.

BLM District Manager Kimberly Dao noted that robust public involvement, such as scoping, will now be determined on a case-by-case basis, particularly for controversial projects. Crucially, cooperating agency consultation—including participation by counties and other local agencies—and tribal consultation remain unchanged.

The new federal regulations require EAs to be limited to 75 pages and completed in one year, while EISs are limited to 150 pages and completed in two years. However, BLM Nevada’s internal policy mandating EAs in six months and EISs in one year will supersede these federal deadlines. The BLM has also broadened its options, now utilizing 433 Categorical Exclusions (CEs), many adopted from the Forest Service and Department of Energy.

Solar Projects Stalled by Secretarial Review

Solar projects in the region are facing increasing uncertainty due to limited capacity on transmission lines and a new, centralized federal review process.

A July 2025 Department of Interior memo requires secretarial review for all decisions, actions, and consultations related to wind and solar. The BLM submitted 10 advanced solar projects in Nevada for review in August 2025, including Libra Solar in the Carson City District.

The projects cannot proceed to the next phase until the Secretary concurs. For example, Libra Solar cannot secure a limited Notice to Proceed (NTP)—even for requirements such as paving an access road—while awaiting the secretarial decision. The BLM noted that solar is a low priority for the current administration, which focuses more heavily on oil, gas, and hard rock mining, meaning there is no current timeline for receiving a response on the submitted projects, potentially causing significant delays.

Lyon County had been notified in June of 12 solar applications in its area of interest. Projects like Mason Valley Solar, Sleepy Orange, and Parker have accepted applications and are currently collecting baseline data.

Pine Nut Solar Converts to Battery Storage

One of the solar applications, the Pine Nut Solar Project, was deemed not viable by the proponent, partially because of conflicts with the Green Link transmission line route and likely due to the inability to secure a Power Purchase Agreement (PPA).

The project has been converted to a Battery Energy Storage System (BESS). The new project, located approximately 12 miles north of Yerington, will cover 103 acres and consist of a 200-megawatt battery storage system, along with a substation and access roads. NEPA review has not yet begun, as the project is still in the baseline data collection stage.

During public comment later in the meeting, residents raised concerns regarding the proliferation of battery storage, citing a recent fire at a solar facility in Boulder City in September 2025 where lithium battery fumes released highly toxic gases and heavy metals, highlighting potential health issues.

Transmission and Revenue Updates

Transmission Infrastructure:

• Green Link North: This 500 KV line, which runs generally from Yerington to Ely, is in the EIS process, with a decision expected in April 2026.

• Green Link West: Approved right-of-way grants are in place, with segments covering the Lyon County and Carson City areas currently undergoing surveys.

• Silver Springs Loop: A critical 345 KV transmission line loop (16 miles long) is planned for the Silver Springs area, with 11.5 miles on BLM land. This line is necessary for NV Energy’s regional planning and is intended to serve multiple end-users in the USA Parkway area, including a potential Microsoft data center. It is scheduled to be in service in 2029.

Revenue Sharing:

New revenue-sharing provisions for solar projects were established by the One Big Beautiful Bill Act. Previously, all rental fees went to the U.S. Treasury. Now, revenue is split: 25% goes to the state, 25% goes to the county, and 50% goes to the U.S. Treasury.

Other Lands and Resources

Other BLM updates included:

• Anaconda Project: The final EA and proposed Resource Management Plan (RMP) amendment for the sale of 262 acres to Atlantic Richfield (a potentially responsible party for contamination) was published in May 2025. However, the next step—publishing a Notice of Realty Action (NORA) in the Federal Register—has been significantly delayed by a recent government shutdown.

• Fernley Land Conveyance: Phase one of this legislated land conveyance to the City of Fernley is complete, with phases two and three expected to be finalized soon.

• Sky Fiber Internet Line: Three applications for fiber installation across Lyon and Carson Counties were received. All installations are planned within current NDOT rights-of-way and are not expected to cause new surface disturbance.

• Wild Horses: A gather plan for the Lahontan Herd Management Area (HMA) was approved in July 2025 because horses were extending into land designated for the Navy’s bombing range expansion (B-16).

The overall update underscored the tension between the accelerated timelines required by BLM Nevada’s policy and the slowdowns created by new federal administrative reviews

Disclosure: summary compiled with AI-assistance

Victory Logistics District

Scott Barnes of Mark IV provided Commissioners with an overview of ongoing development and future plans for the Victory Logistics District in Fernley.

He reported that more than 1.8 million square feet of industrial space has already been built, with long-range plans to expand the site by tens of millions of additional square feet to support logistics operations, advanced manufacturing, and data center development.

Editor’s note: The following was added by Carson Now to Lyon County’s initial press release.

The VLD’s total buildout is anticipated around 2043 and encompasses approximately 4,700 acres in Fernley, acquired since 2019. Mark 4 Capital has already constructed four buildings totaling about 2 million square feet.

Power Generation and Land Sales

To meet the enormous demand of incoming users, particularly data centers, the VLD is moving forward with plans to design a modular, gas-fired power plant.

• The plant will begin at 250 megawatts (MW) and is planned to build up to approximately 1.8 gigawatts (GW) of power. Barnes noted this capacity is substantial, nearing the 2 GW currently generated by NV Energy for all of Reno, Sparks, and Washoe County.

• The power plant alone is estimated to be a billion-dollar investment.

• The company is exploring options, including creating a municipal utility district, to meet hard deadlines for users, though the ultimate goal is for NV Energy to potentially take over the utility. Financial modeling currently suggests VLD can generate power at lower and more efficient rates than the existing grid.

The developers also confirmed a major land transaction, stating that approximately 300 acres were sold to Microsoft in the spring of 2025. Currently, 700 acres are open for grading and infrastructure work to prepare the Microsoft parcel and others.

New Town Center North of I-80

The VLD plan is shifting to include more than industrial logistics, incorporating residential, institutional, and commercial uses in a new master plan for the property north of Interstate 80. Master planning for this area is set to begin after the first of the year (2026).

• Residential Needs: The plan will offer different residential levels, including workforce housing, entry-level, and higher-tier housing, addressing workforce housing needs cited by prospective tenants.

• Education and Safety: VLD is in discussions with the Lyon County School District to plan for institutional needs, including space for a high school, one or two junior high schools, and two or three elementary schools. The master plan also includes space for a necessary fire station. Construction on the fire station is ready to begin in Q1 of 2026.

• Health Care: Developers are looking at the possibility of including a Trauma Level One trauma center due to the development’s distance from North Nevada Medical Center in Sparks.

Infrastructure and Workforce Training

Barnes detailed substantial infrastructure investments necessary for the project, which are expected to positively impact the entire region.

• Nevada Pacific Parkway: This developer-funded transportation project is currently in the design phase and will link Interstate 80 at Exit 50 to Highway 50 Alternate. The goal is to relieve congestion on the Fernley roundabout and divert truck traffic off Main Street. Embankment fill for the bridge begins in January 2026, with construction on the parkway expected to start in Q2 or Q3 of 2026. NDOT is acting as a partner in the RAISE grant for the road, which is being built to NDOT standards and will eventually be turned over to the City of Fernley and then NDOT.

• Center of Excellence: Mark 4 Capital established a Center of Excellence for regional training, partnering with Western Nevada College (WNC), which secured a $600,000 grant. Initial programs will include railing, HVAC, and commercial driver’s license (CDL) certification, as well as specialized training for new technologies like data center management.

• Research & Development: The plan includes a 59-acre Research and Development (R&D) incubator space near I-80, intended to attract high-tech developers, such as drone developers, due to the proximity to Fallon Naval Air Station.

• Rail and Minerals: Earthwork is beginning for a rail spur intended for logistics users and potential processing of critical minerals within the district.

Barnes reported that while four buildings are constructed, delays in securing tenants are currently attributed to political and economic uncertainty rather than infrastructure issues, making it difficult for prospective tenants to finalize their business plans.

Disclosure: summary compiled with AI-assistance

Barnes outlined several major components of Mark IV’s preliminary planning efforts, including:

  • On-site power generation to support anticipated industrial and commercial loads.
  • A workforce development center designed to meet employer needs across the region.
  • A master-planned community, which is expected to include residential areas along with dedicated space for future schools and a fire station.
  • Railroad and utility infrastructure improvements intended to enhance regional freight capacity and support future growth.
  • Advancements to the Nevada Pacific Parkway, a key transportation corridor connecting I-80 with US Highway 50A.

Editor’s note: The following was added by Carson Now to Lyon County’s initial press release.

Public voices concern over battery storage facility, citing ‘toxic’ fires, grid strain

expressed significant health and safety concerns regarding the rapid proliferation of Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS) in the region. These concerns were intensified by the recent news that the Pine Nut Solar Project, deemed non-viable, had been converted into a 200-megawatt battery storage system. Residents specifically referenced a September 23, 2025, fire at a solar facility in Boulder City, Nevada, involving lithium battery units, warning that the combustion releases a hazardous mix of toxic gases and particles. These dangerous fumes include hydrogen fluoride, carbon monoxide, hydrogen cyanide, and heavy metals, which can cause severe respiratory distress and long-term health problems. The public stressed that such storage systems must be located “far enough away from anything residential” to alleviate these harmful effects.

Beyond fire safety, residents raised alarms about the massive strain these high-power facilities place on regional resources. One public participant noted that the proposed data center in Mason Valley alone is projected to consume 17 times as much electricity as the entire county of Lyon uses. Furthermore, data centers are known to use between 2.5 million and 25 million gallons of water daily, a factor that has reportedly caused facilities to be shut down in Arizona. Commissioner Keller confirmed that transmission lines, battery storage, and data centers are now critical discussion points at the national level, indicating that the entire nation is focused on the issues currently facing Lyon County.

Disclosure: summary compiled with AI-assistance

Lyon County Sheriff’s Office “Stork” Pin

Sheriff Brad Pope presented dispatcher Sarah Walker with a “Stork” pin for demonstrating outstanding professionalism and composure during a 911 call while a mother successfully delivered a healthy baby boy. Childbirth-related emergency calls are rare and require exceptional presence of mind, quick thinking, and composure.

Other Board Actions:

·         Biosolids Hauling Services – Approved a contract with Walker Lake Disposal for an amount not to exceed $99,990 for biosolids hauling services from Rolling A Wastewater Treatment Plant to the Lockwood and Carson City landfills. 

·         Advisory Boards – Acknowledged the resignation of Heidi Marty from the Mound House Citizen Advisory Board. 

·         Liquor Board – Commissioners recessed to reconvene as the Lyon County Liquor Board to approve the Nevada State Importer/Wholesaler Liquor License application for MJH Enterprises, doing business as Lakeshore Premium Wines and Spirits. 

·         Silver Springs GID – Recessed to reconvene as Silver Springs General Improvement District to approve a petition by Microsoft Corporation to enlarge the boundaries of the Silver Springs GID sewer service area and to authorize the Board Chair to sign an order to incorporate the area.  

·         Lyon County Sheriff’s Employees Association – County Commissioners approved a collective bargaining agreement with the Lyon County Sheriff’s Employees Association, effective July 1, 2025 through June 30, 2026.

·         Commissioner Travel Policy – Approved the consolidation of administrative policies related to county commissioner travel. The motion to approve the consolidation of travel policies passed 3-2 (Commissioners Keller and Hendrix opposed).

The complete and back up materials are posted online at www.lyon-county.org/Agendacenter. Residents can view recordings of Board of County Commission meetings on the Lyon County YouTube Channel.

You can watch the full meeting below!