CALIFORNIA ENERGY COMMISSION
CEC to Hold First Public Meeting on Soda Mountain Solar Project in San Bernardino County

(CEC) will hold a public meeting on the proposed Soda Mountain Solar Project in San Bernardino County. 

The purpose of the meeting is for the project applicant to explain the project, the CEC to explain the Opt-In Certification process, and for the public to learn about how to participate in the CEC proceeding and share their comments about the project. This will be a hybrid meeting with an in-person location and Zoom access online or by phone. Instructions for how to attend the meeting remotely are provided below.

The project applicant, Soda Mountain Solar, LLC, submitted an application on Aug. 1, 2024, to the CEC's Opt-In Certification program to construct and operate a combined solar photovoltaic (PV) and battery energy storage system (BESS). The project would:

• Generate up to 300 megawatts (MW) of renewable electricity via a utility-scale solar PV array.
• Incorporate up to 300 MW of battery energy storage capable of storing 1,200 megawatt-hours (MWh) of energy.
• Be sited on approximately 2,670 acres of land administered by the Bureau of Land Management in the California Desert District, within the Barstow Field Office jurisdiction.
• Include associated infrastructure, such as operation and maintenance buildings, stormwater controls, substation and switchyard for interconnection to the Marketplace-Adelanto 500-kilovolt transmission line, and battery storage facilities across an 18-acre pad.

After the initial application was deemed incomplete on Sept. 3, 2024, the project applicant submitted updated application materials between Oct. 25, 2024, and July 21, 2025. The CEC reviewed the updated application and deemed it complete on July 31, 2025, starting a 270-day certification process. 

The next step is a public information and environmental scoping meeting about the application and process. After that, a staff assessment, including an environmental impact report, will be published, followed by a public meeting and 60-day public comment period. A decision by the CEC on whether to approve the project will follow the completion of the environmental review and public comment process.

Meeting Details:

• Date: Aug. 29
• Time: 1 to 5 p.m.
• In-Person: Holiday Inn Express, 2700 Lenwood Road, Barstow, CA 92311
• To participate remotely: click on the Zoom link

During the public information and environmental scoping meeting, CEC staff will explain their role and responsibility in reviewing the application and engaging with government agencies, California Native American tribes, neighboring communities, interested members of the public, and others. The project applicant will also discuss the plans for the project and related facilities. Additionally, the CEC's Office of the Public Advisor, Energy Equity, and Tribal Affairs will outline how the public can participate in the process. There will be an opportunity for the public to provide comments. For more information:

• Download and read the Determination of Complete Application for the Soda Mountain Solar Project

• For more project details and to sign up to receive automated email updates on this project, visit the Soda Mountain Solar Project application webpage. 

About Opt-In Certification

As part of Governor Gavin Newsom's build more, faster agenda, the state created an alternative permitting pathway for certain clean energy projects through the CEC's Opt-In Certification program. This program is designed to accelerate the development of clean energy in California and support the retirement of fossil-fuel-based resources.

Under the Opt-In Certification program, the CEC serves as the lead agency for the California Environmental Quality Act and will hold public meetings at or near proposed project locations to gather input on the proposed projects. Except for specific circumstances, the environmental review must be completed within 270 days after the application is deemed complete. The CEC will invite consultation with California Native American tribes, conduct public meetings in the local area, and facilitate and consider public comment throughout the process. 

If the CEC approves the project, the issuance of a certificate, in most instances, replaces the need for any permits, certificates, or similar documents required by state, local, regional, or federal agencies to the extent permitted by federal law. If certified, the CEC would monitor construction and operation of the project throughout its lifetime pursuant to established conditions of certification, including enforcement of any violations and decommissioning when appropriate. 

For more information about the program, visit the Opt-In Certification Program webpage.

About Battery Storage

Safe development and operation of battery storage systems has been and remains a top priority for California energy agencies. The CEC is part of a cross-agency collaborative convened by Governor Newsom to find opportunities to improve safety as technology continues evolving. Key initiatives include an update to the California Fire Code happening this year, expected to include enhanced BESS safety standards. The California Public Utilities Commission in March voted to require new safety protocols for the maintenance and operation of BESS facilities. These and other ongoing efforts are based on the latest studies and consultation with experts to keep California at the forefront of safe and reliable battery storage technology deployment. 

To obtain certification, a BESS would be required to meet strict safety and environmental standards. Possible mitigation requirements include:

• Compliance with top-tier safety measures, such as the California Fire Code and National Fire Protection Association standards (NFPA 855).
• Ongoing collaboration with the local fire department so local first responders are fully equipped to handle potential incidents.
• A dedicated command and control center outside the BESS facility for safe incident management.
• Real-time environmental monitoring of air and water quality in the event of an emergency.
• Deflagration panels to safely vent gases and minimize fire hazards.

Thermal infrared cameras for real-time monitoring and early detection of potential fire events.

About the California Energy Commission 
The California Energy Commission is the state's primary energy policy and planning agency. It has seven core responsibilities: advancing state energy policy, encouraging energy efficiency, certifying thermal power plants, investing in energy innovation, developing renewable energy, transforming transportation, and preparing for energy emergencies.