Ely Energy Center History and Timeline
2008
- Final Air Permit anticipated from Nevada Division of Environmental Protection
- Draft Environmental Impact Statement to be released by Bureau of Land Management
2007 - 2008 - Community resolutions and written support secured from:
- White Pine County Commission
- Ely City Council
- McGill Town Council
- Ely-Shoshone Tribe
- Elko Board of County Commissioners
- Nevada State AFL/CIO
- White Pine Chamber of Commerce
- White Pine County Sheriff’s Office'
- Hundreds of area businesses and individuals
October 2007 - Nevada Division of Environmental Protection issues Draft Air Permit.
February 2007 –Bureau of Land Management conducts public scoping meetings in Las Vegas, Alamo, Ely, Elko and Reno
November 2006 – Air permit application submitted to Nevada Division of Environmental Protection.
November 2006 – Public Utilities Commission of Nevada approves initial development of the Ely Energy Center and authorizes the company to spend up to $300 million in development costs.
July 2006 – Ambient air quality modeling begins.
June 2006 – Company files new Integrated Resource Plan that details the Ely Energy Center, as well as additional energy efficiency plans, renewable energy development, and more near-term natural gas-fired generation plans.
January 2006 –Sierra Pacific Resources makes official announcement that it is moving forward, subject to Commission approval, with the development of the Ely Energy Center.
2003 - 2005 - Based on direction from the Public Utilities Commission, Nevada Power and Sierra Pacific Power review opportunities for the location of a coal-fueled power plant that would enable the state to be more self-sufficient and more energy diverse.
1980s - Various feasibility studies were conducted, and an environmental impact study prepared. Three sites in eastern and northern Nevada were identified, with Steptoe Valley as the prime location. However, the applications were withdrawn, as LADWP decided to participate in an Intermountain Power Project in Utah and both Sierra Pacific Power and Nevada Power decided to pursue alternative projects.
Late 1970s-early 1980s - Los Angeles Department of Water and Power (LADWP), Utah Municipals (UAMPS) and White Pine County discuss a proposed coal plant in White Pine County. Nevada Power and Sierra Pacific Power, separate entities at the time, were invited to participate in 1979.
