April 20, 2011
San Luis Obispo County Board of Supervisors voted unanimously on Tuesday to approve a 250-megawatt solar project on the Carrizo Plain.After the Planning Commission approved SunPower’s project in February, a resident and three environmental groups appealed the decision. The board denied the appeals which were based on protecting endangered species and the Carrizo Plains.
Earlier this week, U.S. Energy Secretary Steven Chu announced the offer of a conditional commitment for a $1.187 billion loan guarantee to support the project.
“The efficiencies created by the California Valley Solar Ranch project will help lower the cost of solar power and encourage more utility-scale solar deployment,” Chu said.
Megan Birney
Renewable Energy Specialist
Community Environmental Council
Santa Barbara, CA
(805) 963-0583, ext. 107
