Public Input Sought During Renewable Energy Listening Session

The Land Use Services Department will continue to solicit public input on the future of renewable energy development throughout San Bernardino County’s unincorporated areas during a special listening session from 2 to 4 p.m. on March 5. For the last several months, the San Bernardino County Partnership for Renewable Energy and Conservation (SPARC) has held 10 public meetings and events to encourage people to help Land Use Services develop a Renewable Energy Element Framework for the County’s General Plan. The county seeks to strengthen its policies and regulatory system to manage renewable energy development while protecting the local environment, communities, residents and economy. The listening session will begin with an overview of the county’s planning progress and priorities from Planning Director Terri Rahhal, followed by public comments on the Element Framework and Outline. The Element Framework and Outline can be found online at www.sbcounty.gov/main/renewable.pdf. “Proper planning will allow us to find the balance between development and preservation. While we agree that renewable energy sources are both beneficial and necessary, we must determine where those projects fit best within our county,” said James Ramos, Chairman of the Board of Supervisors. “On March 5, I encourage residents to provide their input into how our county will deal with renewable energy development. The County is here to listen.” "Renewable energy can significantly impact local communities, so these projects need to be carefully located. That's why I encourage residents to share their thoughts and concerns during this process," said First District Supervisor Robert A. Lovingood. The listening session will be the third round of public exchange on the County General Plan Renewable Energy Element process. Additional public workshops will follow in the spring. The March 5 listening session will be conducted at Covington Chambers, County Government Center, First Floor, 385 N. Arrowhead Ave. in San Bernardino. During the session, the public can participate via videoconferencing at: Jerry Lewis High Desert Government Center , 15900 Smoke Tree St. in Hesperia; or Bob Burke Joshua Tree Government Center , 63665 Twentynine Palms Highway in Joshua Tree.