Boron VoiceFor Progress

Environmental Impact & Stewardship

Understanding the balance between clean energy generation and desert ecosystem conservation.

Joshua Tree Impact

The construction of the Aratina Solar Center involves the removal of Joshua trees within the project footprint. This has been a primary concern for local residents and conservation groups.

  • Impact: News and advocacy sources report that thousands of western Joshua trees and associated desert habitat are affected within the Aratina footprint.
  • Legal Status: Joshua trees are protected under California state law.
  • Authorization: The California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) issued a Take Authorization for Western Joshua Tree, effective October 29, 2020.
  • Mitigation: The developer is required to contribute to the CDFW Western Joshua Tree Mitigation Fund.

Onyx Conservation Project

To mitigate environmental impacts, Avantus partnered with the Bureau of Land Management (BLM), CDFW, and USFWS to create the Onyx Conservation Project.

Conservation Highlights

  • 215,000 Acres of permanently protected habitat in Eastern Kern County.
  • 80,000 Acres of Western Joshua Tree habitat preserved.
  • 3,000 Acres of dense Joshua Tree woodland protected.

Protected Wildlife

The Onyx Conservation Project protects habitat for 20 sensitive species.

🐢

Mojave Desert Tortoise

🦅

California Condor

🦅

Golden Eagle

🐿️

Mohave Ground Squirrel

Climate Impact

The Aratina Solar Center is a critical component of California's goal to achieve 100% zero-carbon electricity by 2045.

800,000Metric Tons of CO₂ Offset Annually

Equivalent to removing

180,000

cars from the road each year.