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-Editorial
The Imperial County Board of Supervisors on Dec. 9 approved a temporary one-year cap and moratorium on converting agricultural land for solar and battery energy development, limiting such projects to no more than 7% of the county’s total agricultural acreage. The measure aims to preserve agricultural resources while allowing renewable energy development to continue.
The board directed county staff to conduct a comprehensive study on agricultural land use, renewable energy development trends, and related water and economic impacts. Staff are expected to report back with findings and policy recommendations within 6 months. The county also invited the Imperial Irrigation District and the Imperial County Farm Bureau to participate as formal partners in the study to evaluate whether a permanent cap or moratorium is necessary.
Officials said the study will examine multiple factors, including the current and projected demand for agricultural land, water resource implications, economic relationships between agriculture and solar leasing, and the potential long-term effects of solar development on jobs, food production, and tax revenues. County staff will also review the definition of “agricultural land” for the study, considering whether it should be based solely on zoning designation or include active use, such as land currently in production or farmed within a defined period.
Imperial County has approximately 538,326 acres of land zoned as agricultural. Between 2011 and 2025, 27,532 acres have been converted or are in the entitlement process for solar or battery projects, representing just over 5% of total agricultural acreage. County officials noted that the 7% cap would allow solar development to continue without significantly impacting agricultural land during the study period.
In a separate action, the board approved a letter of support for Controlled Thermal Resources’ Hell’s Kitchen Lithium and Power Project. The project, located in Imperial County, combines 50 megawatts of geothermal power generation with lithium extraction, projecting 25,000 metric tons annually. The county said the project aligns with efforts to expand clean energy infrastructure, strengthen domestic supply chains for critical minerals, and foster local economic growth.
County officials emphasized that the Hell’s Kitchen project uses environmentally responsible Direct Lithium Extraction technology, avoiding traditional mining methods such as hard rock or evaporation ponds. The project is viewed as a key component of the “Lithium Valley” initiative, which seeks to develop Imperial County into a hub for critical minerals, advanced manufacturing, and clean energy jobs.
The temporary solar and battery development cap and moratorium, coupled with ongoing support for lithium and geothermal projects, reflects the county’s effort to balance renewable energy development with agricultural preservation, economic diversification, and sustainable water management. The board described the measures as interim steps to ensure data-driven policymaking and careful planning for the region’s long-term land use and economic priorities.
