Gov. Jerry Brown recently proposed that California increase its percentage of renewable energy from 33 to 50 percent. An effort by the State to do so would reenergize large-scale renewable energy development in California deserts.

The initial goal of 33 percent, formalized in the mid-2000s, precipitated a boom in renewable energy development in desert areas. Hundreds of applications for federal leases were filed proposing projects potentially covering hundreds of thousands of acres. Most of the proposals succumbed to regulatory and financial hurdles, and only a handful have been approved and commenced construction. Project development has stalled in the last few years as utilities have contracted with sufficient capacity to meet their 33 percent requirement and federal incentives are expiring.

Meanwhile, the Desert Renewable Energy Conservation Plan, a complex plan to provide comprehensive regulation of renewable energy development in California desert nears completion. The Environmental Impact Study/Report for the DRECP is currently being circulated for comment. If approved, the DRECP will provide renewable energy development zones that will facilitate any new renewable energy development.

State approval of the higher 50 percent mandate, in conjunction with approval of the DRECP, would provide renewed opportunities for renewable energy in the desert area.