Gas Co. Road Solar Energy Project

The Gas Company Road Solar Energy Storage Project, located in Taft, Kern County, California, involves the construction and operation of a crystalline solar photovoltaic energy generation facility with a capacity of up to eight megawatt alternating current. The project scope includes the installation of a power conversion system and a battery energy storage system. Administrative oversight is managed by the City of Taft and the California Department of Fish and Wildlife. The project will permanently impact up to 36.78 acres of habitat for several species protected under the California Endangered Species Act, including the giant kangaroo rat, San Joaquin antelope squirrel, San Joaquin kit fox, Temblor legless lizard, and western burrowing owl. To address these impacts, the California Department of Fish and Wildlife issued Incidental Take Permit No. 2081-2022-053-04, with Major Amendment No. 1 specifically authorizing the take of the western burrowing owl during construction, operations, and maintenance. A Notice of Determination dated January 22, 2026, confirms that the project will not have a significant environmental effect within the agency's jurisdiction.