BB&K Attorneys Help Large-Scale Solar Energy Plant To Win Federal Authorization
Legal Alerts
OCTOBER 21, 2010
Interior Secretary Ken Salazar this week approved a large-scale solar energy plant in the Mojave Desert, making it the fifth such project on public land in the West to win federal authorization. Salazar’s approval on Wednesday authorized the U.S. Bureau of Land Management to offer Tessera Solar the use of more than 4,600 acres for 30 years to build the Calico Solar Project. The project faces state approval next Thursday at a hearing before the California Energy Commission. Commission staff has recommended project approval.
The Calico Solar Project is one of the projects that will help achieve the move to large-scale production of renewable energy on public lands. The State of California is working to achieve a 33% renewable portfolio standard, which will require 15,000 – 20,000 megawatts of renewable energy, by 2020.
Once built, the Calico Solar Project is expected to produce more than 663.5 megawatts of renewable energy, or enough electricity to power 200,000 to 500,000 homes. Located in San Bernardino County, the project is expected to generate more than 500 new jobs.
Obtaining secure water rights is imperative to meeting project demands during both the construction phase and operations phase of any solar project, especially when projects are not sited near existing infrastructure. In procuring water rights essential to the development of the Calico Solar Project, Tessera Solar turned to Jason Ackerman and Jill Willis, attorneys who are part of Best Best & Krieger’s renewable energy and environmental law and natural resources practice groups.
For more information on this project or questions about water issues related to any solar project, please contact Jill Willis, Jason Ackerman or your Best Best & Krieger LLP attorney.
Disclaimer: BB&K e-Bulletins are not intended as legal advice. Additional facts or future developments may affect subjects contained herein. Seek the advice of an attorney before acting or relying upon any information in this communiqué.
Disclaimer: BB&K e-Bulletins are not intended as legal advice. Additional facts or future developments may affect subjects contained herein. Seek the advice of an attorney before acting or relying upon any information in this communiqué.
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