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 take place on August 29 from 1 to 5 p.m. at the Holiday Inn Express in Barstow, with remote participation available via Zoom.
Soda Mountain Solar, LLC submitted an application on August 1, 2024, under the CEC’s Opt-In Certification program for a project that would combine a solar photovoltaic array and battery energy storage system. The facility is planned to generate up to 300 megawatts of renewable electricity and include up to 300 megawatts of battery storage with a capacity of 1,200 megawatt-hours. The project would be located on approximately 2,670 acres managed by the Bureau of Land Management within the Barstow Field Office area.
Infrastructure for the project would include operation and maintenance buildings, stormwater controls, a substation and switchyard connecting to the Marketplace-Adelanto transmission line, and battery storage facilities covering an 18-acre pad.
After initially deeming the application incomplete in September 2024, the CEC received updated materials between October 2024 and July 2025. On July 31, 2025, the application was deemed complete, starting a mandated review period of up to 270 days.
The upcoming meeting aims to provide information about the project and explain how members of the public can participate in the certification process or submit comments. The CEC staff will describe their role in reviewing applications and engaging with local agencies, Native American tribes, neighboring communities, and other stakeholders. Representatives from Soda Mountain Solar will outline their plans for construction and operation.
“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.”
Once this initial meeting concludes, CEC staff will prepare an assessment that includes an environmental impact report. This document will be made available for public review during a subsequent comment period lasting at least sixty days before any decision is made regarding approval.
The Opt-In Certification program was created as part of Governor Gavin Newsom’s agenda aimed at accelerating clean energy development across California while supporting efforts to retire fossil-fuel-based resources (https://www.energy.ca.gov/programs-and-topics/programs/opt-certification-program). Under this pathway—which makes CEC lead agency under state environmental law—most reviews must conclude within nine months after applications are accepted as complete.
If approved by CEC commissioners following environmental review and public input periods—as outlined by state law—the resulting certificate may replace many traditional permits required by various agencies except where federal regulations apply (https://www.energy.ca.gov/programs-and-topics/programs/opt-certification-program). Certified projects are then monitored throughout construction and operation according to established conditions.
Battery safety remains central as California expands its energy storage infrastructure (https://www.cpuc.ca.gov/news-and-updates/all-news/cpuc-strengthens-safety-requirements-for-battery-energy-storage-systems). Recent updates include new protocols from both state fire code authorities—expected later this year—and regulatory requirements set by state utility regulators last March mandating enhanced safety measures for maintenance and operations.
To receive certification through this process—a BESS must comply with standards such as those found in NFPA codes; maintain ongoing coordination with local fire departments; establish dedicated incident command centers; enable real-time monitoring of air/water quality during emergencies; install gas venting panels; and use thermal cameras for early fire detection.
For more details or updates about this proposal or its permitting status visit: https://www.energy.ca.gov/powerplant/solar/soda-mountain-solar-project
“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.”
