New Law, Bills Ease Path to Renewable Energy

Cox Castle & Nicholson partner Anne Mudge was quoted in a story about California easing its environmental regulations to benefit renewable energy causes. The Daily Journal article highlights some of the bills that have been signed or are waiting Governor Jerry Brown’s signature that will allow for more renewable energy projects around the state

Mudge talked about a 2010 case in San Bernardino which required photovoltaic and wind energy projects to prepare an assessment of their impact on the water supply based on their acreage. The case is Center for Biological Diversity v. County of San Bernardino. She said until this decision, no one thought that the Williamson Act requirement applied to wind and solar project because although they are large, they used very little water. The latest legislation, which was sponsored by the California Wind Energy Association, would exempt these low-water use projects from the water assessment requirements.