As utilities look for ways to produce more solar energy, they frequently build on property overseen by the Bureau of Land Management.
The agency recently announced that it is taking public comments on a new solar generating station.
The BLM has opened a 30-day public comment period on the proposed Vulcan Solar Project, located in western Maricopa County.
It is one of several renewable energy facilities under way in the area and would produce more than 1,000 megawatts of electricity.
The agency said it will withdraw more than 7,000 acres from mining for a two-year period while it prepares an Environmental Impact Statement for the project.