29 Palms commissioners ask for more time to decide on solar field

JOSHUA TREE — Planning commissioners asked for more time to consider their recommendation on a proposed solar power field north of Two Mile Road.

Commissioners voted 3-1 Tuesday, Feb. 17, to continue discussion on whether to recommend the City Council certify an environmental impact report on the solar project until their March 3 meeting.

Commissioner Leslie Paahana was absent and Max Walker cast the lone “no” vote.

That vote was taken at the end of a 2-½-hour public hearing where residents spoke against and for the proposal to build a solar power field between Canyon Road and Noel’s Knoll Road.

E-Group Solar wants to install of 130,000 to 160,000 solar panels on ground-mounted solar panel racks, each rack 6 to 10 feet off the ground with the panels set at fixed angle facing south.

Power generated by the field would be transmitted via underground wiring to an existing substation on Two Mile Road.

If the council approvals the project, the city will have to amend its development code to create a new zone for solar power fields.

Those speaking against the project cited disturbance of the land by grading for installation of the solar panels, health issues because of dust from the disturbed land blowing into the city and the visual impact of the field, which, according to the environmental impact report, cannot be mitigated.

“I believe this project must not go forward,” resident Peter Lang said, urging commissioners to continue the matter for 90 days for more time to review the environmental impact report.

“Slow down, demand complete answers, protect Twentynine Palms,” he said. 

Aiden Marshall, who said he represented Citizens For Responsible Development, said planners should wait until the environmental review process was completed.

“Clean energy is important but so is clean air,” Gina Kohn said.

Those speaking for the project said it would create economic opportunities for the city.

Topics of discussion during among commissioners included a proposed benefits package, in which E-Group Solar would pay the city about $5.4 million over the 30-year life of the project.

Planning Commissioner Jim Krushat said that was not enough, considering how much developers at E-Group Solar are likely to earn from the project.

“The juice ain’t worth the squeeze,” he said.

“If I was forced to vote on this right now, I would vote ‘no,’” he added. 

Commissioner Alex Garcia said he was troubled by the lack of a power purchase agreement for the project.

Robert Smith, speaking for the developers, said they will not be able to complete an agreement until the project is approved.

Garcia called the proposed community benefits package insufficient.

They also debated the possibility the developers could take advantage of a state law that allows them to bypass the City Council and get project approval from state officials. Some residents claimed the project will not meet requirements of AB205 and qualify for state consideration.

Krushat pointed out that developers will have to provide a community benefit package no matter who approves the project.

“It’s not like we are going to be losing everything,” he said.

Commissioner Max Walker implied he wanted to see the decision made locally.

“I would rather feed myself the nasty medication,” he said.

He disputed criticism of the community benefits package.

“Other jurisdictions have gotten way less,” he said.

He questioned whether an extra two weeks would provide more information about the project.

“My vote’s not changing,” he said.

Garcia replied that he needed more time to digest the information, including the environmental impact report, which has already been provided.

“We are a governing body that needs to take its time,” he said.

“I rushed through a lot of material,” Krushat said. “What is two more weeks? Who know, I might change my mind.”