Are Environmental Groups Acquiescing to First Solar's Desert Sunlight Project?
The Department of Interior last month released the final Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) for First Solar Inc's Desert Sunlight solar power project. After a final public review of the EIS, the Department of Interior will decide whether or not to grant approval to the project. According to the EIS, it appears that Washington will give the green light and even use taxpayers' money to finance First Solar's plans to destroy 4,176 acres (nearly 6.5 square miles) of desert habitat, including some desert tortoise critical habitat. Although national environmental groups have been following these massive solar projects closely, they have been relatively silent about their impacts. A First Solar representative claimed earlier this year that the company had the support of environmental organizations. What role does such behind-the-scenes support play, and how does this impact Department of Interior's decision? Desert Sunlight a Replay of Ivanpah? Despite having the op