Solano County Board of Supervisors authorizes County Counsel to file a complaint against proposed SMUD wind turbine project that would impact and degrade radar operations at Travis Air Force Base

August 25, 2021

SOLANO COUNTY – At their meeting yesterday, in recognition of the potential impact on Solano County and the vital importance of Travis Air Force Base to the region, the Solano County Board of Supervisors, by unanimous vote, authorized the office of County Counsel to file a complaint against the Sacramento Municipal Utility District (SMUD) challenging its approval of the Solano 4 Wind Project (Project). 

The Project would decommission 23 wind turbine generators in Solano County’s wind resource area and replace them with taller turbines. The proposed Project will further degrade radar operations at Travis Air Force Base (Travis AFB). The Solano Airport Land Use Commission (ALUC) reviewed the Project and based on its proposed configuration determined that the Project is not consistent with the Travis AFB Land Use Compatibility Plan, and that no special circumstances would support its construction. 

Among other issues, the County believes SMUD’s analysis of the Project was not legally sufficient.  Attempts by the Solano ALUC and Solano County to address alternatives with SMUD were unsuccessful.

ABOUT TRAVIS AIR FORCE BASE
Located in Fairfield, Travis AFB is the largest employer in Solano County and has a local economic impact of more than $1.6 billion annually.  Considered the Gateway to the Pacific, the base handles more cargo and passenger traffic through its airport than any other military air terminal in the United States. Travis AFB has a long and proud history of supporting humanitarian airlift operations at home and around the world and is currently supporting the evacuation efforts in Afghanistan.  The base houses approximately 7,260 active United States Air Force military personnel, 4,250 Air Force Reservice personnel and employs 3,770 civilians.