The California Energy Commission rejected a new plan for the Palen solar project Wednesday, in essence killing the six-year project. First licensed in 2010, the 8-square-mile project has been stuck with ownership transfers, technology changes, and corporate bankruptcies. The newest owner had asked to extend the December 15, 2015, deadline to start construction, which was denied, thus killing the project. To go forward, the owners must start over with new environmental reviews and hearings. Environmentalists have fought the proposal planned near the eastern border of Joshua Tree National Park and Desert Center.
