The Ivanpah Solar Electric Generating System is set to be
expanded by 19 million more acres by the Obama administration.
Though conservation groups have been working to block the
overtaking of the Ivanpah Valley, citing the inability of
endangered animals to absorb wide industrial change, many
environmentalists, utility and solar companies find the Mojave
desert a gem for power production. By opening up more land in
the desert and providing incentives, the American government
hopes companies will quickly cluster their projects in the area.
The government is faced with deciding whether the ends justify
the means. The controversial plan is a difficult trade-off, as
there are concerns that placing man-made pieces in the only
desert in America will only counter any environmental gains
made.