The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) conducted an environmental assessment (EA) that analyzed the potential environmental impacts associated with the California Valley Solar Ranch (CVSR) project, a 250-megawatt (MW) gross output commercial solar photovoltaic (PV) power plant project proposed by High Plains Ranch II, LLC (HPR II) in southeastern San Luis Obispo County, California. The CVSR Project would include the construction, operation, maintenance, and decommissioning of the CVSR and reconductoring (upgrading) of the Pacific Gas and Electric Company (PG&E) 230-kilovolt (kV) Morro Bay–Midway transmission line.
On the basis of the Final EA, DOE determined that providing a Federal loan guarantee to HPR II for construction and start-up of the 250 MW CVSR photovoltaic solar power project and reconductoring of the PG&E 230-kV Morro Bay-Midway transmission line in San Luis Obispo and Kern Counties, California, will not have a significant effect on the human environment. The preparation of an environmental impact statement is therefore not required, DOE issued a Finding of No Significant Impact.