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Twentynine Palms council denies 184-acre eGroup solar project after heated hearing
Summary
After a multi-hour public hearing and more than an hour of council questions, the Twentynine Palms City Council voted to deny a proposed 184-acre utility-scale solar project by eGroup, citing concerns from residents about aesthetics, large-scale grading and dust risks; the denial preserves the city's moratorium and leaves the applicant able to pursue state review under AB 205.
The Twentynine Palms City Council voted to deny a proposed 184-acre solar field from developer eGroup on March 10, after a lengthy public hearing that split residents and elected leaders.
Robert Smith, an attorney representing eGroup, told the council the company had prepared a 1,000‑page environmental record and negotiated a community benefits package it said would deliver roughly $5.45 million in dedicated payments over 30 years plus an estimated $8.3 million in lifetime economic value to the city under certain assumptions. "We are seeking your approval tonight," Smith said, urging the council to accept the staff‑recommended approvals and associated development agreement.
Opponents filled the council chamber…
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