In the fall of 2013, the School of Lost Borders got word that the Los Angeles Department of Water and Power - the largest landowner in the Owens Valley - was honing in on its plans to build a 1,200-acre industrial-scale solar facility near the Manzanar Cultural Site in Independence.  

In addition, the Inyo Planning Committee and Inyo Board of Supervisors pre-approved what is called a Renewable Energy General Plan Amendment (REGPA), which would essential allocate 10% of Inyo County, and about 190 square miles in the Owens Valley, to other large-scale developments.  

While we are very supportive of renewable energy, these large-scale projects are ultimately harmful and unsustainable. Mostly, they are built on unspoiled "public lands" which developers receive for minimal or no cost, are encouraged with government subsidies, and are geared toward corporate economic growth rather than environmental projection, and thus, have discouraged smaller scale and grassroots efforts to promote reduced energy consumption and roof top solar installations. While large-scale industrial projects promote "green energy" what is often overlooked are the thousands of acres of delicate desert land - land that supports a multitude of animals, endanger tortoise, lizards, birds, and plants - that would be permanently destroyed.

The School of Lost Borders decided to join ranks with the Deepest Valley Campaign and  write letters on behalf of the Owens Valley, our beloved home base for over thirty-five years. We also attended some meetings hosted by the Inyo County Board of Supervisors to express our love and concern for the valley. Our contribution was small in comparison to those on the front lines - The Owens Valley Committee, The Deepest Valley Campaign, the Manzanar Committee, the local Paiute and Paiute-Shoshone Tribes, and Friends of the Inyo - but we are happy to say that the many voices were heard!   

In May, the Inyo County Board of Supervisors revised their REGPA plan to greatly reduce the land base for these projects in an effort to preserve some of the valley's most scenic and culturally significant places. How good it feels to be heard! Thank you Inyo County!

Nevertheless, Inyo County does not have jurisdiction over LADWP owned land and the facility near Manzanar is still under consideration. If this facility, known as the Southern Owens Valley Solar Ranch (SOVSR), is built it will impact a large and important ribbon of the valley. Please help us in convincing the City of Los Angeles that there are better, more responsible ways to implement sustainable energy. Let's ask Los Angeles to build more solar panels on rooftops and parking lots. Please send a letter and/or sign the petition listed on the website of the Owens Valley Committee.  

For over thirty-five years, the Owens Valley has given us a home and a place for our people to gather in celebration and ceremony. We hope to give back to the land, to continue to share our stories under the pinions and junipers, to smell the sultry sage, and to do all we can to protect the integrity and beauty of this unique and precious place.