Northern California Tribe Harnesses Sun and Wind for Renewable Energy System

It’s sunny and windy on the northern coast of California. So why not put these elements to good use to help power a reservation, expand energy independence and reduce the carbon footprint? That’s the thinking behind the decision by the 577-member Bear River Band of the Rohnerville Rancheria to install a renewable microgrid system on their tribal lands in Loleta.

“To the best of our knowledge, this is the first renewable hybrid microgrid installed by a California tribe,” Edwin Smith, director of Environment and Natural Resources, told ICTMN...