SHASTA COUNTY, Calif. — In a unanimous decision, the city of Shasta Lake has voted 5-0 to stand in solidarity with Shasta County's rejection and opposition to the Fountain Wind project.

Emphasizing the principles of local governance and transparency, the City's letter underscores the necessity to honor Shasta County's denial of the Fountain Wind Project.

The decision was reached during the April 2, 2024, City Council meeting, where the matter was extensively deliberated upon.

“There are several hundred thousand residents who call Shasta County their home and ultimately have a right to determine projects that will affect their quality of life,” the letter states.

It further acknowledges Shasta County's exhaustive evaluation process, marked by substantial public engagement, leading to the Planning Commission and Board of Supervisors' unanimous rejection of the project.

While the city of Shasta Lake did not previously take a position on the Fountain Wind Project itself, it now extends its support to Shasta County, its democratic process, the expressed will of its residents and businesses, and to the principle of local governance.

At issue is AB 205, signed into law in 2023, which shifts the authority to approve or deny such projects to the California Energy Commission, or CEC, which is headed by five of the California governor’s appointees and is based in Sacramento.

This law offers project developers the ability to seek approval of their project either through the local jurisdiction (Shasta County) or the CEC (Sacramento-based regulatory agency).

Consequently, in cases where projects face repeated denials from local authorities, applicants may seek approval from the CEC, thereby circumventing local decisions.

The transfer of authority from local governance to a central State agency poses a considerable threat to local decision-making and community input statewide.

Despite assurances from the governor's administration that AB 205 would not undermine local governance, recent events have proven otherwise.

CEC approval of the Fountain Wind Project could establish a perilous precedent for similar projects across California, disregarding local concerns and preferences.

For more information on the Fountain Wind Project and its potential implications for Shasta County and the State of California, visit www.StopFountainWind.com.