Stacking Ecological and Technological Benefits at Large, Ground-Mounted Photovoltaic Solar Parks: Enhancing Soil Carbon Sequestration, Biodiversity, and Photovo
Summary
SCH Number
2025071030
Public Agency
California Energy Commission
Document Title
Stacking Ecological and Technological Benefits at Large, Ground-Mounted Photovoltaic Solar Parks: Enhancing Soil Carbon Sequestration, Biodiversity, and Photovo
Document Type
NOE - Notice of Exemption
Received
Posted
7/24/2025
Document Description
This research will investigate how ground photovoltaic (GPV) infrastructure influences below-ground processes, particularly soil carbon sequestration, and its relationship with native plant productivity and fossorial animal habitat utilization. By informing land management and integrating ecological restoration, this work aims to enhance soil health, biodiversity, and sustainable energy production for mutual ecosystem and climate benefits.
Contact Information
Name
Julia Harnad
Agency Name
California Energy Commission
Job Title
Sustainable Energy Specialist
Contact Types
Lead/Public Agency
Phone
Name
Dr. Rebecca R. Hernandez
Agency Name
UC Davis Wild Energy Center
Job Title
Project Manager:
Contact Types
Project Applicant
Address
Phone
Email
Location
Coordinates
Cities
Davis
Counties
Yolo
Regions
Countywide
Cross Streets
Hutchison Dr, California Ave
Zip
95616
Other Location Info
505 Hutchison Dr Sciences Lab Building, Davis, Ca 95616
1 Shields Ave, Davis, CA 95616
Notice of Exemption
Exempt Status
Categorical Exemption
Type, Section or Code
Cal. Code Regs., tit. 14, § 15306
Reasons for Exemption
basic data collection, research, experimental management, and resource evaluation activities which do not result in a serious or major disturbance to an environmental resource are categorically exempt from the provisions of CEQA. The purpose of this Agreement is to research how ground photovoltaic (GPV) infrastructure influences below-ground processes, particularly soil carbon sequestration, and its relationship with native plant productivity and fossorial animal habitat utilization. Thus, this project involves basic data collection, research, experimental management, and resource evaluation activities which do not result in serious or major disturbance to an environmental source, and therefore, the project is exempt from CEQA under section 15306.
Additionally, this project does not involve impacts on any particularly sensitive environment; does not involve any cumulative impacts of successive projects of the same type in the same place that might be considered significant; does not involve unusual circumstances that might have a significant effect on the environment; will not result in damage to scenic resources within a highway officially designated as a state scenic highway; the project site is not included on any list compiled pursuant to Government Code section 65962.5; and the project will not cause a substantial adverse change in the significance of a historical resource. Therefore, none of the exceptions to categorical exemptions listed in CEQA Guidelines section 15300.2.
Attachments
Notice of Exemption
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