Sacramento County solar proposal sparks clash over trees, tribal lands and clean energy goals

There’s a heated debate in Sacramento County over one of the region’s largest proposed solar projects. Environmental groups say the plan would permanently destroy an ecosystem and thousands of old-growth trees, but proponents argue it’s critical for California’s clean energy future.

Coyote Creek Agrivoltaic Ranch, a nearly 3,000-acre project, would destroy more than 3,000 old-growth oak trees, but it would also supply 200 megawatts to the grid, which is equal to 15% of SMUD’s renewable energy goals.

At Wednesday’s meeting, the San Joaquin County Board of Supervisors voted unanimously to pass the motion. At the hearing, 150 people signed up for public comment…

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