The California Energy Commission (CEC) has approved the Soda Mountain Solar Project through its Opt-In Certification program, created to help speed up clean energy permitting and deployment across the state.
The project being developed by VC Renewables will be located on approximately 2,670 acres of land administered by the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) California Desert District in San Bernardino County, contingent on BLM approval.
Once built, the nearly $700 million project will generate up to 300 MW of renewable energy from a utility-scale solar PV array and include up to 300 MW of battery storage capable of storing 1,200 MWh of energy. The project is expected to create approximately 200 construction jobs and up to 40 part-time operations jobs and additional jobs as needed to conduct routine inspections, maintenance and security along with millions of dollars in local economic activity and tax revenue to support public services in San Bernardino County.
The project also includes a community benefits agreement that commits the developer to pay $50,000 to Friends of El Mirage, a local nonprofit that supports outdoor recreation and public land stewardship in San Bernardino County. The funding will pay for improvements to amenities at the Rasor Off-Highway Vehicle Recreation Area.
“This project doesn’t solely deliver clean, reliable energy — it brings jobs and meaningful economic investment to the region,” said CEC Commissioner Noemi Gallardo. “We are committed to seeing that the benefits of California’s energy transition are felt locally, in the communities where these projects are built.”
“The Opt-In Certification program is designed to accelerate the development of critical clean energy infrastructure without compromising California’s rigorous environmental protections or commitment to meaningful community engagement,” said CEC Chair David Hochschild. “Today’s approval shows we can move projects forward with urgency and efficiency while preserving the values that matter most to Californians.”
As part of Governor Gavin Newsom’s “build more, faster agenda,” the state created an alternative permitting pathway for certain clean energy projects through the CEC’s Opt-In Certification program. This program is designed to accelerate the development of clean energy in California and support the retirement of fossil-fuel-based resources. Under the Opt-In Certification program, the CEC serves as the lead agency for the California Environmental Quality Act and will hold public meetings at or near proposed project locations to gather input on the proposed projects. Under statute, the environmental review for a project must be completed within 270 days from the point the project application is deemed complete, unless significant project changes arise that require more time to review. The CEC will invite consultation with California Native American tribes, conduct public meetings in the local area, and facilitate and consider public comment throughout the process.
If the CEC approves the project, the issuance of a certificate, in most instances, replaces the need for any permits, certificates, or similar documents required by state, local, regional, or federal agencies to the extent permitted by federal law. If certified, the CEC monitors construction and operation of the project throughout its lifetime pursuant to established conditions of certification, including enforcement of any violations and decommissioning when appropriate.
News item from CEC
