MBCA has signed on to a letter initiated by the National Parks Conservation Association in support of California Legislation (AB 1000 - Friedman - "Desert Groundwater Protection") that seeks to increase California's involvement in the Cadiz project by requiring "a state review process for potential groundwater extraction projects in the California desert."  Some alterations in the bill are expected during its consideration in order to prevent onerous state review requirements for local water district projects.  We will update you as this bill progresses. 

In another extraordinarily detailed and comprehensive document, MBCA Director Pat Flanagan on June 30 sent MBCA's official comment letter on the proposed Ord Mountain Solar and Energy Storage Project in Lucerne Valley to San Bernardino County Land Use Services.  In addition, 

Joshua Tree Airport Solar Project History

(Please note that not all links may still be available.)

Excerpt from May 31, 2017 Eblast

Joshua Tree Airport Solar Project 

NextEra /JT Solar project is also officially in a "legal stay" for six months as requested by NextEra. The Southern California Edison’s RAM PPA for the project has expired and NextEra has stated no work on the project has gone forward. The group Joshua Tree Community for Responsible Solar took the lead in opposing the project and initiated legal action.

Excerpt from August 29, 2016 Eblast

Joshua Tree Solar Farm Appeal denied  

The Board of Supervisors (BOS) voted August 16th 4-1 to deny the three appeals filed and gave their approval for development of the Joshua Tree Solar Farm – a 20 megawatt photovoltaic project to be located on 115 acres at the former Roy Williams Airport site. Many residents spoke in support of the appeals and more sent letters  – clearly and strongly expressing opposition to this project in the rural residential community. Apparently our arguments, including that this is not an area that can accurately be characterized as “disturbed land” (it is relatively intact acreage) and therefore not appropriate for industrial scale solar were not convincing to the majority of Supervisors. They also discounted the fact that the site is visible from a hiking trail in Joshua Tree National Park – which according to the County’s own Renewable Energy and Conservation Element Framework is a criteria worthy of consideration. Only our 3rd District Supervisor, James Ramos voted in favor of the appeal to stop the project. Defend Joshua Tree (https://defendjt.wordpress.com) has reported that a lawsuit or three to stop the project from moving forward seems likely. MBCA E-Blasts will keep you informed of these efforts. This battle isn’t over yet. 

Excerpt from Eblast August 1, 2016

REMINDER: 

NEXT TUESDAY - OPPOSE JOSHUA TREE AIRPORT SOLAR FARM

August 9th; 10:00 AM (open session begins) – 2:00 PM

Supervisors Appeal Hearing

Attend via videoconference: Bob Burke Government Center, 

6427 Whitefeather Road, Joshua Tree – just East of the Courthouse.

Attend in person: BOS Hearing Chamber, San Bernardino,  

385 North Arrowhead Avenue, Covington Chambers, First Floor.

Dear MBCA Members and Supporters,

MBCA, the Morongo Basin MAC, and others have strongly stated opposition to   the Joshua Tree Airport Solar Farm proposed by NextEra. This will likely be our last opportunity to stop the project that would have numerous harmful impacts to the local community, as well as visiting tourists (documented in links that follow).

San Bernardino County Board of Supervisors (BOS) will conduct a public hearing to consider three appeals of a Planning Commission action to approve the Conditional Use permit to establish this 20-megawatt photovoltaic solar energy generating facility on approximately 115 acres at the former Hi Desert (Roy Williams) Airport. The Appellants are: Coalition for Responsible Solar, Socal Environmental Justice Alliances, and Joshua Tree Community for Responsible Solar, as well as individuals.

The BOS have warned: Due to time constraints and the number of persons wishing to give oral testimony, time restrictions may be placed, on oral testimony at the public hearing regarding this proposal. You may wish to make your comments in writing to ensure that you are able to express yourself adequately. Any questions regarding the hearing should be addressed to the Planning Division of the Land Use Service Dept., 385 North Arrowhead Ave., first floor, San Bernardino, CA 92415-0187l (909) 387-8311

You may also call John Oquendo, Senior Planner, Land Use Services Department, with any questions: 760-995-8153

Re.: The appeals of the Joshua Tree Solar Farm Project (Main Project No. P201400482, Appeals No. P201600230, P201600234, and P201600230)

Read the official notice of the appeals hearing.

Read KCDZ radio’s most recent story.

Read Joshua Tree resident Tom O’Key’s letter to the Hi Desert Star.

Read MBCA’s comment letter.

Hope to see many of you at the Burke Center to fill the audience with community in support of the Appeals to stop this ill-conceived, ill-sited project in its tracks!

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