The California Energy Commission (CEC) has scheduled a public meeting on August 29 in Barstow to discuss the proposed Soda Mountain Solar Project. The session will take place at the Holiday Inn Express and will also be accessible online via Zoom.
Soda Mountain Solar, LLC submitted an application to the CEC’s Opt-In Certification program on August 1, 2024, seeking approval to construct and operate a solar photovoltaic array with battery energy storage in San Bernardino County. The facility is planned to generate up to 300 megawatts of electricity and store up to 1,200 megawatt-hours of energy using batteries. The project would be located on approximately 2,670 acres managed by the Bureau of Land Management within the Barstow Field Office area. It includes infrastructure such as maintenance buildings, stormwater controls, a substation and switchyard for connection to a major transmission line, and battery storage facilities across an 18-acre pad.
After an initial determination that the application was incomplete in September 2024, updated materials were submitted through July 2025. On July 31, 2025, the CEC deemed the application complete and began a mandated 270-day certification process.
The upcoming meeting aims for Soda Mountain Solar representatives to explain project details while CEC staff describe the Opt-In Certification process and outline how residents can participate or provide feedback during proceedings. According to the CEC: “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.”
A formal staff assessment—including an environmental impact report—will follow this initial information session. There will be further opportunities for public comment before any final decision by commissioners.
The Opt-In Certification program is part of Governor Gavin Newsom’s plan to speed up clean energy development in California. This pathway allows certain renewable projects like Soda Mountain Solar expedited review under state law; it also designates CEC as lead agency under CEQA rules (https://www.energy.ca.gov/programs-and-topics/programs/opt-certification-program). As stated in official material: “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.”
Once certified by CEC—pending environmental review—the need for most other permits from various government levels may be waived where allowed by federal law.
Battery safety remains a priority amid growing use of large-scale storage systems statewide (https://www.cpuc.ca.gov/news-and-updates/all-news/cpuc-strengthens-battery-storage-safety-standards-to-enhance-reliability-and-protect-communities). A cross-agency group convened by Governor Newsom continues work on updates including new fire code standards and maintenance protocols adopted by regulators earlier this year. According to official statements: “Safe development and operation of battery storage systems has been and remains a top priority for California energy agencies.”
Mitigation measures required include compliance with updated fire codes (such as NFPA 855), ongoing cooperation with local first responders, command centers outside BESS facilities for incident management, real-time air/water monitoring during emergencies, gas venting panels, and thermal cameras for early detection of hazards.
Public participation is encouraged throughout each stage of review; additional information about certification processes or specific project updates can be found at dedicated state web pages.
