HomeMy WebLinkAbout5.1 - Brooks Thorlaksson - North Chico Solar ProjectFrom:Brooks Thorlaksson
To:Connelly, Bill; Durfee, Peter; Ritter, Tami; Kimmelshue, Tod; Teeter, Doug
Cc:Clerk of the Board
Subject:North Chico Solar Project
Date:Friday, October 23, 2026 11:24:12 AM
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Dear Supervisors,
As a long time Butte County resident, I am writing to all of you about this important issue facing our county, well as
my designated supervisor. I understand that the permissions for the North Chico Solar Project are based at the state
level with the California Energy Commission, rather than our county. I am sure, however, that a careful reading of
the project with input from local expertise addressing local issues will be vital information for them as they consider
this project.
We need to consider five important issues: the impact on our local habitat, agricultural users, migration patterns,
impact of possible fires which come under the jurisdiction of CalFire, and water and the Tuscan Aquifer. The size of
this proposed complex is larger than CalFire’s planning for appropriate development which automatically raises
important flags.
To be sure, I am committed to solar energy, and have been for years as an early adopter of solar panels in a home we
built in Forest Ranch over 40 years ago. We added solar panels to the house we live in here in Chico. The issues our
county faces, however, are more complex than a simple yes or no to a project of this size.
I trust that we all, together, can gather the information necessary to move forward on this project and provide
essential information to the CEC before commitments are made to the developer of this project.
Sincerely,
Brooks Thorlaksson
11 Via Flora Ct
Chico, ca
530 518 8701