Solar panels in the Mojave Desert?
It has been interesting to hear that environmentalists are not on the same page when it comes to renewable energy. In fact, it looks like any development (clean or otherwise) can raise the ire of NIMBYs (those that cry “not in my backyard”). Recently, the idea of solar panels in the Mojave Desert has resulted in a clash between greenies.
Even though many environmentalists are concerned about global climate change, they just don’t want to see panels, transmission lines and generators marring their outdoor playgrounds. On the other hand, others actually help developers decide on the best places to construct solar panels. Both sides, ironically, want to find the best solution to combat global climate change and dependence on foreign oil.
The Mojave Desert is no exception. Its not only hot, its a hot bed for controversy! Senator Dianne Feinstein (D) recently begged that no solar panels be installed in the area, and threatened to introduce legislation that would bar efforts of the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) to consider leases for solar panel development.
But just consider the possibilities:
Mojave Desert - in the middle of "somewhere"
At issue are two major concerns: (1) aesthetics, and (2) alleged wildlife impacts.
“It would destroy the entire Mojave Desert ecosystem.”
David Myers, executive director of The Wildlands Conservancy, has claimed. On the other hand, California Governor Schwarzenegger has countered:
“If we cannot put solar power plants in the Mojave desert, I don’t know where the hell we can put it.”
The California Energy Commission is looking for a compromise. The hope is that national monument boundaries can be drawn in the desert to protect fragile eco-systems and, yet, allow areas in which solar and wind projects can be constructed.
Currently, fourteen solar energy projects have been proposed in the “Catellus” lands in the Mojave Desert. This area is in the southeast corner of the state, between the Mojave National Preserve and Joshua Tree National Park. It will be at least two years before decisions will be made on the applications, however. As with any land use application, environmental analysis is required to determine: (1) the degree of potential environmental impact; and (2) whether any mitigation measures can, and should be required of the projects.
In short, debate over solar panels will continue even during the permitting process. These type of projects are always fully analyzed. More often than not, a long list of mitigation requirements is attached to any permit approval.
As for the tortoises that live in the desert…. will they be offered adequate protection? My guess is that, if we don’t start getting solar and wind projects approved soon, they’ll be wiped out anyway as a result of global climate change.
What’s your take on this debate?
Tags: debate over solar panels, environmentalists opposed to renewable energy, solar panels in the mojave desert
July 8th, 2009 at 3:11 pm
The question of where else to put these solar panels? Why not consider putting them on tops of buildings where there are large industrial warehouses already constructed. There are many expanses of buildings on the borders of cities and towns throughout the desert. There are also areas of land on the edges of towns that are already degraded. It seems that there must be someplace else to put these rather than 2 national preserve areas, MNP and JTNP. These areas were created to protect wildlife habitats and preserve the natural state and beauty of the land. Constructing large solar panels will require a great amount of land loss, new roads and could lead to the loss of important wildlife and plant species and overall degradation of the land. Not to mention the dust that will be created which in turn could lead to the melting of what snow does occur there and alteration of the hydrogeological cycle. Please consider some other alternatives!