The Westlands Water District Board of Directors voted unanimously on Dec. 16, 2025 to certify the Final Programmatic Environmental Impact Report (PEIR) and approve the Valley Clean Infrastructure Plan (VCIP). There were no lawsuits filed during the 30-day Statute of Limitations period for legal challenges, which means the certification of the PEIR is final and can no longer be challenged. This approval clears the way for VCIP project implementation.
VCIP is a master-planned renewable energy initiative that integrates solar generation, energy storage, and high-voltage transmission infrastructure into a coordinated, cost-effective development strategy. At full buildout, VCIP is expected to deliver up to 21,000 megawatts (MW) of solar generation and 21,000 MW of energy storage, supported by a new 500-kilovolt transmission system that connects clean energy directly to California’s grid. Upon completion, VCIP is projected to supply approximately one-sixth of California’s electricity needs by 2035.
VCIP has been strategically sited to utilize up to 136,000 acres of impaired or fallowed agricultural land in areas increasingly affected by reduced surface water supplies, groundwater depletion, and regulatory requirements under the Sustainable Groundwater Management Act (SGMA).
“VCIP demonstrates how clean energy development can be done thoughtfully and at scale,” said Erica Brand, decarbonization strategy lead of The Nature Conservancy. “Siting solar and transmission infrastructure on fallowed ag land while accounting for local habitat and environmental considerations is a responsible approach that delivers climate, water, and economic benefits. California should prioritize projects like this to ensure we meet our climate targets on time.”
Certification of the PEIR positions Golden State Clean Energy, the master planner for VCIP, to proceed with the next development phase for VCIP, including design and engineering activities. Potential construction could begin as early as 2028, with initial project energization beginning in 2030.
“This milestone reflects years of careful planning and collaboration,” said Bob Dowds, CEO of Golden State Clean Energy. “Certification of the PEIR confirms that VCIP can move forward in an environmentally responsible way while delivering reliable, affordable clean energy. This project strengthens California’s energy resilience, reduces reliance on natural gas, and is an important step towards converting fallowed land to productive uses at a time when water scarcity is reshaping agricultural opportunity across the Valley. VCIP isn’t just about renewable energy development, it’s a strategic plan for water management, economic development and regional sustainability.”
Overall, labor leaders estimate VCIP will generate approximately 10,000 jobs over the life of the project, with roughly 80 percent filled by local workers. Additionally, the project will provide training programs, local tax revenues, and community benefits.
“VCIP represents exactly the kind of investment California needs,” said Bob Dean, business manager of IBEW Local 1245. “This project will create thousands of skilled construction and energy jobs, the majority filled locally, while helping California meet its clean energy goals. We appreciate the Westlands Water District and Golden State Clean Energy’s commitment to labor and to building long-term economic opportunity in the Valley.”
By integrating transmission planning from the outset, VCIP will streamline the development process. The master-planned approach reduces risk, and spreads transmission investments across a large-scale, integrated approach, making projects economically viable. VCIP will support water efficiency in the Valley, allow agriculture jobs to be retained, provide new construction jobs, generate significant tax revenue, and support California’s clean energy transition in a timely manner. When constructed, VCIP will provide much-needed new transmission infrastructure centrally within the state, enabling flexible and efficient distribution of electricity across California's grid. As a result, VCIP is projected to save California ratepayers approximately $850 million annually by delivering lower-cost in-state solar energy and displacing more expensive natural gas generation, while reducing greenhouse gas emissions (according to a study by consulting firm 1898 & Co.). These savings are estimated to exceed $9 billion by 2050, with benefits continuing to grow beyond that timeframe.
“VCIP shows how a strategic master-planned approach can deliver cleaner energy, good jobs, sustainable land use, and lower costs at the same time,” Dowds added. “It’s a model for how California can meet its climate goals while supporting local communities and strengthening the state’s economy.”
More information on the PEIR is available at: wwd.ca.gov/news-and-reports/environmental-docs/
More information on the 1898 & Co. report is available at: www.goldenstatecleanenergy.com/company-news/valley-clean-infrastructure-plan-cut-emission-save-billions
About Golden State Clean Energy
Golden State Clean Energy (GSCE) is a California-based renewable energy developer delivering grid-scale solutions that meet the state’s ambitious climate and reliability goals. GSCE is quickly becoming the leading infrastructure developer based in California, specializing in innovative master-planned projects for renewable energy, electric transmission, clean energy sources, storage and water. GSCE’s leadership team was the founding developer of the 2,700 MW Westlands Solar Park, one of the largest solar projects in the United States, known for its innovative private transmission infrastructure. GSCE is committed to building investable, accelerated, and integrated clean energy projects across California’s evolving power landscape. For more information, visit www.goldenstatecleanenergy.com.
Media Contact
Alison MacLeod
amacleod@ka-pow.com
