The California Energy Commission (CEC) has scheduled a public meeting to discuss the proposed Soda Mountain Solar Project in San Bernardino County. The meeting will allow the project applicant, Soda Mountain Solar, LLC, to present details about the plan and give the CEC an opportunity to explain its Opt-In Certification process. The public can attend either in person or remotely via Zoom.
Soda Mountain Solar, LLC submitted its application for the project on August 1, 2024. The proposal involves building a combined solar photovoltaic (PV) and battery energy storage system (BESS) that could generate up to 300 megawatts of renewable electricity. It also includes plans for up to 300 MW of battery storage with a capacity of 1,200 megawatt-hours. The facility would be located on approximately 2,670 acres managed by the Bureau of Land Management within the Barstow Field Office jurisdiction. Infrastructure associated with the project would include buildings for operations and maintenance, stormwater controls, substations, switchyards for connection to the Marketplace-Adelanto transmission line, and battery storage facilities across an 18-acre area.
After initially deeming the application incomplete on September 3, 2024, CEC received updated materials between October 25, 2024, and July 21, 2025. On July 31, 2025, CEC determined that the application was complete and began a formal certification process lasting up to 270 days.
The upcoming public information and environmental scoping meeting is part of this review process. Following this session, CEC staff will prepare an assessment including an environmental impact report. This will be followed by another public meeting and a period for public comment before a final decision is made regarding project approval.
The meeting is scheduled for August 29 from 1 to 5 p.m., at Holiday Inn Express in Barstow or online via Zoom.
During the session, CEC staff will outline their responsibilities in reviewing applications and working with government agencies, California Native American tribes, local communities and interested members of the public. “There will be an opportunity for the public to provide comments,” according to CEC communications.
More information about participation procedures is available on the Soda Mountain Solar Project application webpage: https://www.energy.ca.gov/powerplant/solar/soda-mountain-solar-project-23-opt-01
California’s Opt-In Certification program provides an alternative permitting pathway for certain clean energy projects as part of Governor Gavin Newsom’s initiative to accelerate clean energy development statewide: https://www.energy.ca.gov/programs-and-topics/programs/opt-certification-program. Under this program, CEC serves as lead agency under state environmental law and must generally complete reviews within a set timeframe after deeming applications complete.
If approved by CEC under this process—which may replace some other required permits—project construction and operation would remain subject to ongoing monitoring by CEC based on established certification conditions.
Battery storage safety remains a focus among state energy agencies. The CEC participates in cross-agency efforts led by Governor Newsom aimed at improving safety standards as technology advances. Updates are underway to enhance BESS safety requirements in state fire codes; new protocols have also been adopted by regulatory bodies such as the California Public Utilities Commission.
To receive certification from CEC, BESS facilities must meet strict safety standards including compliance with updated fire codes and National Fire Protection Association standards; coordination with local first responders; installation of real-time air and water quality monitoring; deflagration panels; dedicated incident command centers; and thermal infrared cameras for early fire detection.
For more information about battery storage initiatives visit: https://www.cpuc.ca.gov/news-and-updates/all-news/cpuc-strengthens-battery-energy-storage-system-safety-requirements
The California Energy Commission acts as the state’s main agency responsible for energy policy planning—including developing renewable energy resources—and prepares California for energy emergencies.
