Thanks to San Bernardino County Land Use Services Planning Director Terri Rahhal's questionable stalling on the consideration and adoption of the Renewable Energy Conservation Element section 4.10, the language that would set limits on where utility scale renewable energy projects can be sited, while protecting rural desert communities, has been sidelined for more than a year while several major projects have moved forward unencumbered by the regulation.
The RECE language was originally sent to the Planning Commission for its review back on August 8, 2017. It took until May of 2018 for the Planning Commission to hold its review. Meanwhile, Rahhal had been meeting privately with energy industry representatives after the public comment period for the crafting of the language had concluded.
Now, in their November 6 meeting, the Board of Supervisors will address the RECE language. While the original, resident-friendly language was sent back to the Board of Supervisors by the Planning Commission as the recommended version, Rahhal and her department has been busy since May, constructing industry friendly ways around the protections the original language included.
The November 6 meeting of the Board of Supervisors will determine the future of large scale renewable energy projects in San Bernardino County going forward. Supervisors will have to choose between representing the interests of their residents and constituents, or the interests of the energy industry.
There is absolutely no guarantee that the Supervisors will follow the Planning Commission's recommendations, or vote to support their constituents during their consideration of the RECE 4.10 language.
Residents who are concerned about the impacts of large utility scale projects in their area should plan on making their voices heard during the public hearing.
The hearing is set for Tuesday, November 6, 2018, beginning at 10 a.m. Chamber of the Board of Supervisors
County Government Center
385 North Arrowhead Avenue, First Floor
San Bernardino, California
Comments may be made orally or in writing, delivered to the Board of Supervisors at, or before, the hearing. Any questions regarding the hearing should be addressed to the Planning Division of the Land Use Services Department, 385 North Arrowhead Avenue, First Floor, San Bernardino, CA 92415-0187; (909) 387-8311. Related documents are also available at the address above.
The Board of Supervisors meeting facility is accessible to persons with disabilities. If assistive listening devices or other auxiliary aids or services are needed in order to participate in the public meeting, requests should be made through the Clerk of the Board at least three (3) business days prior to the hearing. The Clerk’s telephone number is (909) 387-3841 and the office is located at 385 North Arrowhead Avenue, Second Floor, San Bernardino.
Remote video conference participation is available in Joshua Tree at the Bob Burke Government Center, 63665 29 Palms Highway. In Hesperia, video conference participation is available at the Jerry Lewis Government Center, 1590(0 Smoke Tree Street, First Floor. Call (760)995-8065 to confirm.
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