The Hollister City Council is planning to throw its support
behind the Solargen Energy proposal for a 420-megawatt solar farm
in Panoche Valley.
The Hollister City Council is planning to throw its support behind the Solargen Energy proposal for a 420-megawatt solar farm in Panoche Valley.
Council members this week indicated unanimous support for the estimated $1.2 billion project. Such a vote would be merely symbolic, as the city council has no jurisdiction over the proposal or decisions related to it. San Benito County supervisors are expected to make that call later this year.
Council members Tuesday requested that staff members bring back a resolution of support for a later vote.
Councilwoman Pauline Valdivia noted how Solargen has a “lot of hurdles” to jump yet, but said she supports the proposal because of the potential economic benefits.
“I see it as a potential for people getting jobs,” she said.
Solargen has estimated that during construction, at least 150 jobs will be created and during long-term operation the facility would need about 50 full-time workers. County supervisors in the coming months are set to examine the environmental impact report while also considering cancellation to 12 Williamson Act contracts – a necessity for the proposal to move ahead.
Other council members could not be reached immediately.
Look back for more on this story.
