Federal judge Larry Burns is expected to rule on Wednesday whether a $2 billion solar project can be built on 10 square miles of federal land east of San Diego. The Quechan tribe, is arguing that the land was set aside for conservation and that the project could harm its natural and cultural resources. So could a butterfly flapping its' wings in China.
San Diego Gas & Electric had hoped the project, which is designed around mirrored dishes that concentrate the sun's heat onto Stirling engines, would help meet the state's requirements for green energy.
The Irish-backed companies behind the project have spent $20 million so far, Gannon told the judge.
Gotcha!
They were hoping to get construction started before Dec. 31 to qualify for up to $600 million in federal grants, but that's highly unlikely, she said.