Energy justice in the news
Local:
PUC Approves Kauaʻi Solar Battery, Pumped Storage Hydropower Project
The West Kauaʻi Energy Project includes two hydropower electric generation facilities, a pumping station, a 35-megawatt solar photovoltaic array, a 35-megawatt battery energy storage system, a 69-kilovolt substation, 1.5 miles of new transmission line, reconductoring one mile of existing transmission line, and installing approximately 2.65 miles of single mode fiber optic line along KIUC’s existing transmission system.
The Development Agreement requires that KIUC and AES jointly draft a community engagement plan that identifies all of the stakeholders at the federal, state and county levels. KIUC and AES have engaged in community engagement since 2013, DHHL generated a Beneficiary Consultation Report, virtual meetings were held, and there have been multiple social media posts about the Project as well as several published newspaper articles. KIUC is not aware of any individuals or groups who oppose the Project.
**This is a massive project developed by AES, who historically has not been on the side of the community in dirty or clean energy (Kahuku wind farm AES coal plant). Sierra Club’s Kauaʻi Island Group submitted comments to Kauai Island Cooperative’s (KIUC) environmental impact statement stating concerns: KIUC’s EIS is insufficient-a long-term 65-year water lease requires a full EIS, , 350 acres of PV solar is too close to the Kawai'ele Waterbird Sanctuary, KIUC is not in compliance with the watershed mediation agreement, The Interim Instream Flow Standards set for the diverted streams are not based on analysis, a closed-loop alternative should be reconsidered to keep billions of gallons of water in Waimea Streams.**
National:
Biden orders federal government to become carbon neutral by 2050
President Joe Biden signed an Executive Order on December 8th instructing federal agencies to become carbon-neutral by 2050. The order includes a set of concrete goals to help decarbonize the government’s operations, buildings, and vehicles, from carbon-free electricity by 2030, to the purchase of all zero-emission vehicles by 2035, to eliminating greenhouse gas emissions from federal buildings by 2045, amongst other steps.
“As the single largest landowner, energy consumer, and employer in the Nation,” the Executive Order reads, “the Federal Government can catalyze private sector investment and expand the economy and American industry by transforming how we build, buy, and manage electricity, vehicles, buildings, and other operations to be clean and sustainable.”
Helping Native communities attain ‘energy sovereignty’ with solar Nonprofit Grid Alternatives develops solar projects on reservations and provides job-training opportunities.
Built on reservation land in Anza Valley, the Santa Rosa Community Solar Project is the first community-scale solar project in the state targeted toward helping low-income customers cut their electricity bills. It is the product of a $2.5 million grant awarded by the California Department of Community Services and Development to fund nearly 1 megawatt of locally produced energy for the Santa Rosa Band of Cahuilla Indians.
“This came just when I needed it most,” said Hamilton, who was one of five tribal members selected to work on the installation. “It was a memorable experience.” While her life has had its share of difficulties, including the tragic loss of her husband a few years ago and more recently the pandemic, Hamilton said the construction training she received has been a bright spot. “It helped me to redirect my thoughts and take my mind off things.” Read full article here.