Letter to the Editor: E-Group PS Solar Project
Long-time Twentynine Palms homeowner Chris Tiffany expresses opposition to the project—the public comment period ends Thursday, January 22
Chris Tiffany sent us a copy of her public comment on the E-Group PS Solar Project, which we publish here as a letter to the editor.
The 45-day public comment period is open until January 22, 2026. During that time, both individuals and public agencies are able to submit written comments on the draft to Community Development Director Keith Gardner at kgardner@29palms.org or via City of Twentynine Palms, 6136 Adobe Road, Twentynine Palms, CA 92277.
Prior coverage of solar development can be found here.
Re: E-Group PS Solar Project
Please enter this letter into the Public Comments for the above named project.
I stand in opposition to this solar fleld project.
The extensive grading and ripping up of these undisturbed 184 acres of native vegetation exposes our area to dust and fine particulates that are contrary to the motivation that has brought generations of residents to the high desert expressly for our healthy air quality. It is common knowledge that the veneer that holds our desert soils is fragile and once disturbed takes hundreds of years to heal. This acreage is habitat for a variety of species large, small, and microscopic. Do we really want our viewshed ruined, our climate altered by a project like this one? Drive to Desert Center on a windy day and see the destruction of pristine desert at the Desert Sunlight Solar Farm and witness the dust storms this indiscriminate grading up of native vegetation has created there.
The City should be a leader in the High Desert and an outspoken advocate for placing solar panels on existing buildings and homes and on all new construction. This simply makes more sense than large solar fIelds.
Also, approving another zoning change is a mistake. The Development Code does not allow solar farms. Chipping away at the General Plan is not a good idea. The vision was written into the Plan to safeguard the future of our beloved desert home.
A final question: This Terra Nova Planning and Research group is the same company that advocated for a Negative Declaration for the Ofland project, avoiding the rules of CEQA that require a full environmental impact study for developments of this magnitude. This company is based in Palm Desert where the entire region no longer holds any evidence of the dunes once covered with sand verbena that I hold in my own memory. I don’t think anyone who lives in 29 Palms wants a paved-over community or the acres of industrial developments like this solar farm represents.
I thank you for your consideration of these thoughts. My personal ties and love of this desertscape were forged over 70 years ago.
Chris Tiffany
Twentynine Palms
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