San Bernardino County · issues
Civic issues
Topics getting the most attention in San Bernardino County public meetings, ranked by how frequently they come up.
Surface Mining and Land Reclamation Ordinance Update
The Board adopted the long-disputed update to county mining rules after residents from Wonder Valley, Yucca Valley and Wrightwood said outreach was inadequate and feared the changes could clear the way for the proposed 20,000-acre Music Valley rare earth mine near Joshua Tree. Staff says the update keeps the county as the state's lead mining agency; opponents worry federal-land projects will escape full county review.
Maverick Gas Station and Convenience Store Appeal
Residents and the appellant raised concerns about traffic safety, truck circulation, environmental review, and rural compatibility for a proposed 24-hour fueling station in Phelan-Pinion Hills. The Board voted to grant the appeal and send the project back to the Planning Commission for further review.
Regional Renewable Energy Siting and Grid Reliability
Residents and conservation groups appealed the Planning Commission's approval of a massive 525-megawatt solar and battery facility in Lucerne Valley, arguing it violates county renewable energy protection policies, damages scenic vistas along a newly designated state scenic highway, and worsens blowing dust. The Board of Supervisors ultimately denied the appeal due to a lack of legal grounds to overturn the project, despite expressing personal reservations about large-scale desert solar development.