California's governor moved to expedite approval of energy projects and usurp local control but rural counties say they already do their part.
that aimed to expedite and streamline construction of new clean energy facilities. Included is a controversial clause that lets developers bypass local permitting and instead turn to the California Energy Commission for fast-track approval.
Whatever the intent of the new law, Kings County doesn’t think it’s the problem: Most projects in the county’s 40,000-acre solar zone receive approval in less than six months — in some cases in six weeks, county officials say. “Local governments are viewed as an impediment, another layer you have to go through to get your project across the finish line. But we permit these facilities all the time. It’s one of the core functions we perform as local government,” said John Kennedy, a lobbyist for“To have that authority taken out of our hands and given to the Energy Commission — that much farther from the people, that much removed from local sensitivity — to have that authority clawed back is really painful,” he said.
The new law, Newsom wrote, will “support and expedite the State’s transition to clean energy projects and help maintain energy reliability in the face of climate change.” The fast-track option through the Energy Commission promises developers a decision within 270 days and bypasses local approval. The county has more than 21,000 acres of solar development, and the land, mostly private property, is leased or sold outright to companies.
“We’ve had 100 years to build the grid the way it is today and we’re redoing it in the next 20 years…We are digging ourselves out of a hole.”Although the state law is new and its implications not yet fully understood, Jackson said the early message is “loud and clear from my developers: They want to continue with the local process. The route is not that attractive. When you unpack the proposal, it seems to fall short.”will follow.
Kings County is home to several solar farms in its 40,000-acre solar zone. Photo by Larry Valenzuela, CalMatters/CatchLight LocalWith wind turbines, “there’s a visibility issue. ‘If I can see it, I don’t want it.’ It’s not unique to California or any of these rural counties,” said Mark Lawlor, vice president for development at ConnectGEN, a Texas-based renewable energy developer,
“We would hire local labor, we did everything I could come up with. We are literally building Phase 2 of an existing wind project that’s been there operating safely for 10 years,” he said.
Österreich Neuesten Nachrichten, Österreich Schlagzeilen
Similar News:Sie können auch ähnliche Nachrichten wie diese lesen, die wir aus anderen Nachrichtenquellen gesammelt haben.
Renewable Energy Transitions Demand Better Project ControlsRenewable Energy Transitions Demand Better Project Controls. Is the construction industry stepping up to the challenge?
Weiterlesen »
Xcel Grants One-Year Moratorium on Destruction of Steam Plant on PlatteNeighbors will use the time to push back on plans for a substation.
Weiterlesen »
San Diego Board of Supervisors declare health emergency due to monkeypoxPeople who believe they fall into any of the criteria can contact their health care provider to see if that provider can administer the vaccine.
Weiterlesen »
Chicago man steals Cleveland woman’s identity, resulting in her near arrest, police sayAfraid that she would be pulled over again she called the 19 News Troubleshooter team.
Weiterlesen »
Mobile County students head back to the classroom for the first day of schoolStudents at Denton Magnet School of Technology were excited for the first day of school
Weiterlesen »
Retiring prosecutor stands by rebuke of Kim Foxx’s leadership in Cook County state’s attorney’s office as discontent in ranks goes publicCook County prosecutor who resigned from the state’s attorney’s office last week told the Tribune on Tuesday he stood by a letter he penned that faulted Kim Foxx’s administration.
Weiterlesen »