California energy regulators Wednesday recommended denying a controversial wind energy project in Shasta County.
What happened: California Energy Commission staff cited significant impacts to wildlife, forests and tribal resources as well as conflicts with local zoning laws in recommending that the agency not certify the 48-turbine Fountain Wind proposal that would produce energy for about 150,000 homes.
Context: The project is one of the first tests of AB 205, a 2022 law giving the Energy Commission the authority to override local governments in service of the state’s clean energy goals.
The Shasta County Board of Supervisors, in one of the most conservative parts of the state, had voted down the proposal in 2021 over concerns about fire risks, property values, traffic and views. The project’s Texas-based developer, ConnectGen, applied to move forward through the CEC’s opt-in certification program established under AB 205.
