The California Energy Commission (CEC) staff has officially recommended denying the Fountain Wind Project, citing significant and unavoidable environmental impacts and conflicts with local land use laws. The recommendation was published today in the CEC’s Staff Assessment, a key step in the state’s environmental review process.
The decision marks a major milestone in the County’s ongoing efforts to protect public safety, preserve forest and tribal lands, and uphold local planning authority. The proposed industrial wind farm, located on 2,855 acres of forested land near Burney, has faced widespread opposition from residents, retired firefighters, tribal leaders, and elected officials.
“This is a victory for Shasta County and the communities who have stood together in defense of our land, safety, quality of life, and most importantly, local control” said Shasta County Board of Supervisors Chair, Kevin W. Crye. “The CEC staff’s recommendation validates what our residents and local officials have been saying for years: the Fountain Wind Project is simply the wrong project in the wrong place.”
The CEC Staff Assessment confirms that the project would:
- Introduce significant and unavoidable wildfire hazards, including interference with aerial firefighting
- Cause permanent damage to forest lands, wildlife habitats, and scenic viewsheds
- Violate Shasta County zoning laws governing timberland production zones
- Impact tribal cultural resources and community safety.
Since the project’s inception, Shasta County has taken a firm and lawful stand against it—leveraging community outreach, public comment, legal filings, formal letters, and coordinated agency engagement.
“We’ve fought this project the right way—through legal, transparent, and strategic channels,” Crye continued. “From grassroots organizing to official Board decisions, we’ve remained focused, principled, and persistent. Today’s outcome shows that doing things by the book can pay off.
While this staff recommendation is a significant step, the CEC has not yet made a final decision. Now more than ever, it is critical that community members continue to make their voices heard. Residents are encouraged to submit written comments to the CEC docket, send letters of opposition to the CEC Commissioners, and contact the Governor’s Office. Public input will play an essential role in the final outcome.
The CEC will hold a public hearing in the coming weeks to receive formal comments. While the final decision rests with the full Commission, staff recommendations are a critical factor in the outcome of the permitting process.
For more information and details on how to submit your opposition comments, visit www.stopfountainwind.com.
