A proposal to create a Mother Road National Monument across California’s Mojave Desert has encountered opposition from Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger’s office, reported the Inland Press-Enterprise.
The article says the governor opposes the project because it would halt solar-energy projects there. However, it’s reported that Sen. Diane Feinstein is working on a scaled-down compromise.
At issue is some of the 600,000 acres purchased by the The Wildlands Conservancy that was turned over to the government for conservation. Many of the solar-energy companies, but not all, said they’re willing to develop outside of the conservation area.
The article makes it clear that a compromise will probably be reached:
Keely Wachs, a spokesman for BrightSource, said the company plans to build there and has been working with Feinstein’s office on legislation that would balance conservation needs and energy development.
Elden Hughes, a member of the Sierra Club California/Nevada Desert Committee and a Joshua Tree resident, said Feinstein is crafting legislation for a smaller monument than envisioned earlier by conservationists.
A smaller monument means that the solar companies can develop the land outside of it. As pressure increases for alternate forms of energy, it behooves the nation to use the humongous solar capabilities of the Mojave Desert.
My take on the controversy is here.
UPDATE: AHN reports that one 5,000-acre solar project slated for that area has been canceled.