Solar Projects in California Being Scaled Back to Protect Endangered Species

California has begun taking a unique approach to current renewable energy goals which require the state to be drawing one third of its energy from renewables by 2020. The renewables goal for 2020 has sparked a large amount of new projects and renewables being explored. So far, giant solar mirrors, wind farms are the current development of interest for California energy companies. These mirrors are receiving government subsidies to be built. 

The arid region in south-eastern California offers an ideal location for producing large amounts of solar generated energy. The area, however, is also home to several endangered animals whose habitat is threatened by current building plans.

Several renewable energy projects in the works will create roughly 48,000 jobs and establish 5,300 MW of new, renewable energy. That’s enough to power 1.8 million residences. However, because of the endangered animals in the proposed locations, energy companies are having to provide alternative homes for these creature such as large desert tortoises in order to proceed with building project plans.

One such solar project is facing potential abandonment if the US Fish and Wildlife Services make the decision to name the flat-tailed horned lizard an endangered species member. Currently, the lizard’s status is under review, but could shut down the project if it is listed as an endangered species.

Already projects have been scaled back to meet the requirements of the wildlife officials. Backers for a solar project spanning six miles are being forced to find alternative habitation for 30 desert tortoises that had been residing in the area, after environmentalists became concerned over their welfare.