The Department of the Interior temporarily shut down construction of the Tule Wind Energy project in McCain Valley  on January 20th due to six confirmed violations of the right-of-way grant conditions, including “three incidents of ground disturbing work without a cultural monitor present and three incidents of clearing beyond the disturbance limits at four different locations,”  according to the notice of temporary suspension issued January 20th.

Impact on Landscape Legal California

Renewable energy from south of the border is beginning to make a big impact on the American side. Looming over the dry desert scrub, as high as a 25-story building, the giant turbines of the Energía Sierra Juárez wind farm punctuate the horizon just south of the California border, an otherworldly array of white tubular towers each topped with three, 12-ton blades.

Legal Mexico California

Three Ocotillo residents went before the Board of Supervisors Tuesday.

Safety Structural Failure California

Siemens conducted a “preliminary root cause analysis,” which showed that the machine had “cracks in the structural member of the interior of the blade” (specifically, the shear web). In turn, over time, the blade failed and then struck the tower, which then collapsed.

Safety Structural Failure California

Both this project and Siemens have a history of serious problems, however, leading to questions of whether federal or state oversight is needed to protect public safety. Ocotillo Wind, built by Pattern Energy, previously had a wind turbine fire in January 2015 and an 11-ton blade hurled off onto a public trail in May 2013, among other mechanical failures,  as we reported at the time. 

Safety Structural Failure California

An analysis of CAISO data from 2011 through mid-2016 by consultancy ScottMadden reveals that California has largely exceeded its 2013 projections for lower net loads and higher ramps in energy demand. These changes are occurring in the wintertime too, another season that’s light on air conditioning load. In addition, the deepest drops are happening on weekends, not weekdays.

Energy Policy California

The US Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) on Wednesday granted a five-year take permit for golden eagles at the 137-MW Alta East wind farm in Kern County, California.

Impact on Birds California

The Protect Our Communities Foundation has filed a lawsuit in federal court seeking to halt the project, contending it will kill protected golden eagles, bats and other wildlife as well as spectacular views on public lands.  The Audobon Society and Backcountry Against Dumps (BAD) have also opposed the project.

General California

Section 1603 created a system whereby certain renewable energy facility owners became entitled to cash grants. But owners of “specified energy property” like the plaintiffs became entitled to grants equal to 30% of “the basis of such property.” “And therein lies the dispute,” the court said in its opinion.

Taxes & Subsidies USA California

Renewable energy is the big loser in a long-drawn-out energy plan for public land in California, developed over eight years between the Bureau of Land Management (BLM), the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, the California Energy Commission and the California Department of Fish and Wildlife.

General USA California

“We endorse renewable energy, but this was the wrong project in the wrong location.”

Impact on Wildlife Impact on Landscape California

A wind farm off the coast of San Luis Obispo County that could help further state and national goals to produce more clean energy and jobs appears to be moving a bit closer to reality — although still probably years away from being built.

Offshore Wind California

The plant's operators and the environmental groups who orchestrated the shutdown intend to fill the energy gap left by Diablo Canyon's closure with wind and solar power, as well as conservation initiatives. Even if they make good on those promises, the transition will come at a high cost -- particularly to low-income Californians already struggling to keep their lights on.

Energy Policy California

“Right now I could authorize the taking of seven bald eagles without mitigation,” said Beeler, and that is for the entire region. “Golden eagles are set at zero, so we cannot authorize any taking without mitigation.”

Impact on Birds USA California

Renewable energy "needs to be done thoughtfully and it needs to be done right," said April Rose Sommer, executive director of the Protect our Communities Foundation (POC). "And this project is the wrong place and it's also the wrong procedure."

General California

More projects could be terminated under the 2015 agreement as soon as next month. "SunEdison has failed to meet schedule and contract deadlines stated in the contract," says a July 6 letter from the city's Environmental Services Department to the solar provider.

General USA California

“There is a regressive nature to some of these things,” Lt. Gov. Gavin Newsom said Friday, noting that more than 1 million state households spend more than 10% of their income on energy. “We have to be sensitive to issues relating to energy costs.” ... renewable energy goals will require going far beyond putting up new wind turbines and solar array farms. 

Impact on Economy Energy Policy California

Hedge fund D.E. Shaw has offered to buy SunEdison’s stake in a California solar power project for $80 million.

General USA California

The Oak Creek area east of Tehachapi saw a quick response from KCFD on June 25 after a wind turbine started a grass fire.

Safety Structural Failure California

There remains “a lot that is actually beyond PG&E, to be worked out at the California Public Utilities Commission, California ISO, and other California discussions,” says PG&E’s Strauss. “If action occurs too late, then there may be some challenge to the reliability of the system,” he says. “

Energy Policy California