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Gov. Gavin Newsom took a beating online after announcing a multimillion-dollar solar-power plan — as he continues to catch flak for state projects that have ballooned into the billions of dollars.
Newsom’s office announced that the new green project is receiving a $20 million from the state to cover canals with solar panels in an attempt to conserve water while generating electricity.
“While the Trump Administration tears down clean energy in favor of fossil fuels, California is activating a pilot project for the nation’s first solar-covered canal,” he wrote on X. “We’re investing in new technologies to find more solutions for lowering costs, saving water, and preparing for a hotter, drier future.”
A flood of commenters seized on the announcement, citing Newsom’s past overspending on state projects.
“Cool. Is it going to cost $251 billion and never be built?” the US Oil & Gas Association posted on X, referencing the high-speed rail project.
“Can’t wait for my great great great great great great great great great grandchildren to attend the grand opening ceremony,” another wrote.
“Let me guess, it’s already $600mill over budget?” a third quipped.
“For 20 million dollars? I wouldn’t be bragging dumba-—,” yet another chimed in.
“You know who could use that water? A fire department!” wrote one critic, alluding to California’s wildfire problems.
Newsom described the solar project as an “innovative” and “outside-the-box” solution to the climate situation.
“We remain committed to investing in clean energy and developing cutting-edge technologies to address climate and water challenges. California is showing the world what’s possible when innovation meets action,” he said.
The canal plan, called Project Nexus, aims to measure how much energy the solar panels generate, how much water it can save, the quality of the water, and if covering the canals reduces the cost of maintaining them.
The California Post contacted Newsom’s office for comment.
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