… The Darden Clean Energy Project, approved by the California Energy Commission in June, is the first development to be fast-tracked under a 2022 state law that allows large renewable energy projects to be reviewed and permitted without sign-off from county and municipal governments. … The nearby towns struggle with poor drinking water and air quality. … It will be built on 9,500 acres sold by the Westlands Water District. … [T]he district’s uncertain water supplies have made the land impractical for farming, prompting Westlands to divert water to more productive land. … Eight other projects, from Imperial County in the south to Shasta County in the north, currently are pursuing approval through the opt-in process. 

Other water and development news:

• The Press Democrat (Santa Rosa, Calif.): Regulators investigating Resynergi plastics recycling venture as scrutiny mounts over proposed Rohnert Park expansion​
• The Land Desk: Blog: Mining Monitor – Oak Flat reprieve; uranium briefs