McCoy Solar Energy Project in California open for comment

For Michael S. Dea of the Laborers' International Union of North America, NextEra Energy's proposed McCoy solar energy project could mean jobs for about 200 of the union's unemployed members in eastern Riverside County.

For Riverside County, the photovoltaic project, planned for up to 750 megawatts, could mean as much as $1.9 million in year from the county's $450-per-acre solar energy fee as well as another $3 million a year in sales tax during construction.

For Patricia Pinon, a tribal activist with the La Cuna de Aztlan Sacred Sites Protection Circle, the project is yet another intrusion into pristine desert areas honeycombed with hidden tribal artifacts and old trails.

The combined projects could cover more than 11,000 acres, or about 17 square miles, creating the potential for compounded impacts on habitat, water use, and cultural and visual resources in the region. Kenny Stein, environmental project manager for NextEra, said any future development on the Blythe site would also be photovoltaic, but could provide no further details.

Learn more about the proposed project, and make a comment, using the link below!