Debate Over Greenlink North Transmission Line Prompts New Environmental Review
The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) is set to conduct a fresh environmental analysis of the Greenlink North transmission line, following objections from conservation bodies and local authorities. This 350-mile line is intended to transmit electricity from northern Nevada’s energy developments to the southern regions.
Critics have raised concerns that the initial environmental assessment did not thoroughly examine the effects on vulnerable wildlife habitats, particularly the greater sage grouse. This species has seen a progressive decline across the western United States.
Patrick Donnelly, who serves as the Great Basin director at the Center for Biological Diversity, emphasized the importance of choosing appropriate locations for new transmission lines. “Transmission is going to get built, and we need to pick the least harmful places to do it,” Donnelly stated. He further expressed concern that the proposed path would traverse critical habitat for the sage grouse in Nevada, warning, “Greenlink North is in the worst possible place it could be for the greater sage grouse. It is going to cause irreparable harm to the greater sage grouse and to sage grouse habitat all through central Nevada.”
The sage grouse relies on extensive, untouched sagebrush ecosystems, predominantly found on public lands. The species has been at the center of ongoing debates concerning energy development, grazing, and mining in the region.
The BLM has indicated that the supplemental review will delve deeper into alternative routes, land-use conflicts, and the potential impact on wildlife before the project can advance. The timeline for completing this new analysis remains unspecified.
Supporters of the review suggest that its implications might extend beyond Nevada, as federal agencies grapple with the challenge of balancing swift energy development with conservation on public lands throughout the Mountain West.
This article was produced by the Mountain West News Bureau, a collaborative effort involving KUNR, Wyoming Public Media, Nevada Public Radio, Boise State Public Radio in Idaho, KUNC in Northern Colorado, KANW in New Mexico, Colorado Public Radio, KJZZ in Arizona, and NPR, with additional backing from affiliated newsrooms across the area. Funding for the Mountain West News Bureau is partially provided by the Corporation for Public Broadcasting and Eric and Wendy Schmidt.
