Solar power is intended to be a greener option for energy companies throughout the Southwest. But three pending solar projects could pose a different kind of environmental risk, according to one Mojave County supervisor.
These three projects include the 450-megawatt, 4,300-acre White Hill Solar Project, the 275-megawatt, 3,958-acre Mineral Park Solar Project, and the 300-megawatt, 3,736-acre Leo Solar Project. The project will consist of approximately 12,000 acres of land managed by the US Bureau of Land Management. However, according to Mojave County Superintendent Gene Bishop, the county has now decided that these pending projects should not affect water use, natural landscaping, wildlife habitat, neighborhood communities, outdoor recreation and recreation on public lands within Mojave County. He said he was concerned about the potential impact on grazing.
The Mojave County Board of Supervisors is scheduled to vote on Bishop’s proposal next week, which would require BLM officials to ensure that each solar project complies with the requirements and processes under the county’s general plan. is.
According to Bishop’s proposal, the general plan provides for the county to encourage the development of alternative energy production facilities in favorable locations consistent with existing adjacent developments and the locations surrounding those facilities. The County maintains Mojave County energy project zoning ordinances, which include extensive research, staff recommendations, public notices, and a public comment period by the Mojave County Planning Zoning Commission.
Bishop said Texas-based development firm reNRG has yet to discuss the proposed project with Mojave County officials for a full analysis of its environmental impact. Bishop said previous energy projects on BLM land, including a wind project on Route 93 near the White Hills, have followed the county’s zoning and modification process.
According to the draft letter opposing the pending solar projects, “The three solar proposals will affect approximately 12,000 acres of BLM land within Mojave County, including active rangelands and above-ground and below-ground critical areas. It would be inconsistent with a decent ranch infrastructure.” “If the proposed project is approved, the existing rangelands will be cancelled.”
Bishop said county officials are probably most concerned about the 3,736-acre Leo Solar project, which sits right on the Colorado River. Water shortages on the Colorado River are already growing, and Bishop said the project’s use of water to clean the solar panels could only add to the burden on water users in the lower Colorado River basin. said.
“These solar proposals provide little social or economic benefit to the county and deprive the county of vast swaths of land from public recreation and rural lifestyles,” the letter reads. “This proposal would have a negative visual impact along U.S. Route 93 and would destroy 12,000 acres of natural vegetation.”
The Mojave County Board of Supervisors will vote on whether to take Bishop’s proposed counter-letter to BLM officials at its next board meeting Tuesday in Kingman.
