drecp.orgDesert Renewable Energy Conservation Plan | California Energy Commission

Skip to main content CA.gov Share via Facebook Share via Twitter Share via LinkedIn Share via Email About Careers Contact Events Newsroom Resources Settings Default High Contrast Reset Increase Font Size Increase Font Size Decrease Font Size Decrease Font Size California Energy Commission Search this site Search this site: Search View All Close Home Proceedings Sub Menu Toggle Proceedings Active Proceedings Business Meetings Dockets E-Filing and E-Commenting Opportunities for Public Participation Siting Cases Rules and Regulations Sub Menu Toggle Rules and Regulations Appliance Efficiency Regulations Building Energy Efficiency California Energy Commission Tribal Program Energy Suppliers Reporting State Energy Management Warren-Alquist Act Programs and Topics Sub Menu Toggle Programs and Topics All Programs All Topics Funding Sub Menu Toggle Funding Solicitations Awards Funding Resources Funding Workshops Grants Ombudsman Feedback Opportunities Data and Reports Sub Menu Toggle Data and Reports California Power Generation and Power Sources Energy Almanac Energy Maps Planning and Forecasting Reports Surveys Tracking Progress Showcase Sub Menu Toggle Showcase Driving to Cleaner Transportation Energy Innovation Showcase California Energy Commission Programs and Topics All Programs Desert Renewable Energy Conservation Plan Desert Renewable Energy Conservation Plan At the turn of this century, California received only 11 percent of its energy from renewable sources. In 2018, it had grown to 34 percent, with a goal of 60 percent by 2030 and 100 percent carbon-free energy by 2045. One of the key regions sought by renewable energy developers is the sparsely populated, but ecologically important Mojave and Colorado/Sonoran Desert area in southeastern California – a vast area covering roughly 22.6 million acres. In addition to the abundant sun, wind, and geothermal resources, the area is home to a variety of unique plant and wildlife species. It also has a rich cultural and tribal heritage and is a recreational area for thousands of visitors each year. To protect the area and streamline the permitting process, the California Energy Commission, the California Department of Fish and Wildlife, the U.S. Bureau of Land Management (BLM), and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service developed the Desert Renewable Energy Conservation Plan (DRECP) that identifies areas in the desert appropriate for the utility-scale development of wind, solar, and geothermal energy projects. The comprehensive plan also provides for the long-term conservation and management of covered species and preserves the natural resources, recreational areas, and scenic values. In 2016, BLM signed its Record of Decision approving the DRECP Land Use Plan Amendment, which covers the 10 million acres of BLM-managed lands in the DRECP Plan Area. Documents and Resources DRECP Gateway DRECP FAQ Documents BLM Record of Decision and Land Use Plan for the DRECP California Desert Biological Conservation Framework DRECP.org Archive Contact Energy Infrastructure System Planning Scott Flint Subscribe DRECP First Name Please enter your first name. Last Name Please enter your last name Email Please enter your email address. Leave this field blank Categories Topic Energy Infrastructure and Environment Renewables Division Siting,Transmission, and Environmental Protection Program Desert Renewable Energy Conservation Plan Contact California Energy Commission 1516 Ninth Street Sacramento, CA 95814 Contact Us | Directions Careers Come be part of creating a clean, modern and thriving California. Learn More Campaigns Register to Vote Be Counted, California Energy Upgrade California Flex Alert Back to Top Accessibility Conditions of Use Privacy Policy Sitemap Accessibility Certificate - PDF YouTube Instagram Twitter YouTube LinkedIn Flickr Copyright © 2020 State of California...