The California Energy Commission Will Hear Local Comments on Fountain Wind
Have an opinion on Fountain Wind? Want to learn what’s happening with a possible state approval? State representatives will be in Anderson today.
Photo by Made From The Sky on Unsplash
11.28.23 11:38 am: We have updated this article to correct part of the name of a state agency.
State representatives will hold an informational meeting on the controversial Fountain Wind project, today, November 28, between 2:00–10:00 p.m. in Anderson.
The state’s “Joint Environmental Scoping and Informational Meeting” will offer the opportunity for public comment both online and in-person and will provide more information about the state’s certification process.
The agenda includes a presentation by ConnectGEN, as well as multiple presentations by staff from a state agency called the California Energy Commission (CEC), on both the certification process and an analysis of issues noted so far. There will also be public comment from county officials, Tribal representatives, and other members of the local community.
Fountain Wind was first proposed several years ago by the Texas-based for-profit ConnectGen, which hopes to construct up to 45 energy-producing wind turbines in the mountains of eastern Shasta County. It’s opposed by many in the community including Pit River Tribal representatives whose ancestral lands and sacred sites would be affected.
The project has also already been voted down by Shasta County officials, twice. But a new state law designed to fast-track green energy projects, could allow California to approve Fountain Wind anyway, under the jurisdiction of the CEC.
Shasta County has already issued a formal comment of opposition to the CEC’s determination, saying the project should not be eligible for approval under AB 205 because it was already denied by local officials before the new law was passed.
Last month, Shasta County’s board took its opposition further, voting to fund the launch of a community education project known as Stop Fountain Wind, to encourage residents to push back on a potential CEC approval too.
Today’s CEC meeting will be held in the Himalaya Ballroom of the Gaia Hotel and Spa in Anderson. You can also access the meeting online.
Have questions, concerns, or comments you’d like to share with us directly? Reach out: editor@shastascout.org. If you choose to leave a comment please keep in mind our community guidelines. All comments will be moderated to ensure a healthy civic dialogue.
Resources
Access the meeting by phone: Call toll-free (888) 475-4499 or toll (669) 219-2599. Enter Webinar ID 881 9854 0640 and passcode 260713 when prompted.
Access the meeting via zoom at https://zoom.us/ with Webinar ID 881 9854 0640 and passcode 260713.
Read the California Energy Commission’s information page on Fountain Wind here.
Read Shasta County’s information page on Fountain Wind here.
Read more of Shasta Scout’s ongoing coverage of the Fountain Wind project, here.
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