Variance Concurrence (if applicable)

On the basis of a thorough evaluation of the information provided by an applicant and the input of Federal, State, and local government agencies, tribes, and the public, the BLM will determine whether it is appropriate to continue to process, or to deny, a right-of-way (ROW) application submitted through the variance process.

• Variance evaluations will be conducted and documented at the BLM State and field office levels.
• To ensure a consistent application of the variance process, all ROW applications in variance areas that are determined to be appropriate for continued processing will be submitted by the BLM State Director to the BLM Washington Office for the Director's concurrence (as stated in the 2012 Western Solar Plan, Section B.5.6).

Additional procedures for issuing solar energy ROW grants in variance areas were identified in the 2012 Western Solar Plan.