32.2

Risk Grade

Excellent

Minimal regulatory burden; very low saturation; large BLM land base with excellent solar resource; limited grid infrastructure is primary constraint; county's active pursuit of renewable energy as economic replacement creates favorable political trajectory

Assessment Snapshot

Population

9951

State Rank

Compliance

25%

Trajectory

Moratorium Status

✓ No Active Moratorium

Ordinance & Regulations

Setback Requirements

100 ft from residential structures; 50 ft from property lines

Zoning Mechanism

CUP for utility-scale in rural and industrial zones; county commission approval

Size Restrictions

None specified

Board Sentiment & Political Risk

Sentiment Analysis

Supportive

Basis for Assessment

Economic diversification strongly desired as Steptoe Valley mining operations wind down; county commission publicly supportive of renewable energy projects; Ely community receptive; minimal organized opposition; land lease income highly valued in declining tax base

Political Risk Factors

Neutral

Board Members

Richard Howe (Chair), Gary Perea, Varlin Higbee, Laurie Carson, Jeff Fontaine

Grid, Utilities & State Context

Grid Operator

NV Energy (Sierra Pacific Power) / WECC; Eastern Nevada transmission corridor

Utilities

NV Energy (Sierra Pacific Power), Ely Electric (municipal utility, limited service area in Ely city core)

State Permitting Process

PUCN ≥200 MW; BLM ROW required; county CUP

State Incentives

Yes – NV SB 448; Greenfield zone eligible; BLM Ely District SEZ potential

Development Activity

Active/Completed Projects

Denied/Withdrawn Projects

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White Pine County, NV — Solar Development Risk Assessment