Project Overview
The Pinal County Planning and Zoning Commission reviewed a massive energy project during their July 17, 2025 work session that would transform over 2,685 acres of rural land into a major power generation facility.
Griffin Energy LLC, represented by Rose Law Group, seeks to change the land designation from Moderate Low Density Residential and Proposed Open Space to Green Energy Production, General Public Facilities/Services, and Proposed Open Space for the Griffin Energy Project. The facility would combine solar photovoltaic panels, battery energy storage systems, and a natural gas-fired power plant on property located between Santa Rosa Wash and Greene Wash on both sides of Interstate 8.
Senior Planner Patrick Zaia-Roberts presented the case, noting that the project involves 23 separate parcels owned by Anderson Road 80 LLC, BDW Land Investments LLC, Jorde Hacienda Inc., and Stanfield 1295 LLC.
Energy Infrastructure Components
The project encompasses three distinct energy production technologies. The solar photovoltaic portion would utilize single-axis trackers, inverters to convert direct current to grid-compatible alternating current, and transformers to increase voltage. The battery energy storage system would seek to provide grid stability and energy storage capabilities.
The natural gas component would occupy a minimum of 50 acres strategically located within the overall project boundary. This portion would include gas turbine power generation islands, additional battery storage systems, utility switchyards, and operation and maintenance buildings, along with internal access roads and employee parking.
The facility would connect to existing infrastructure, including plans to interconnect with the 500 kV Duke-Pinal Central transmission line running along the project’s northern edge and nearby natural gas lines.
Location and Surroundings
The project sits approximately three miles southeast of Stanfield in western Pinal County. The site spans both sides of Interstate 8, with roughly 1,119 acres north of the highway and 1,566 acres to the south.
Zaia-Roberts described the surrounding area as “largely agricultural” with scattered residential properties. The project directly abuts the Project Bella site to the east, which recently received approval for a 480 MW natural gas-fired power plant with a 440 MW battery storage facility.
The property borders Bureau of Land Management parcels to the west and state land to the north. Due to its agricultural history, the site remains relatively flat with only a 20-foot elevation change across the 2.25-mile stretch.
Scattered Residential Properties
The project area contains several scattered residential properties that could be affected by the development. Zaia-Roberts identified “three or four at most” existing residences, describing them as “agricultural farming, farmhouses largely.”
One residential unit sits central to the proposed project area and is expected to be acquired as part of the land use change. An additional residential property is located to the south of the project.
Staff indicated they will request the applicant extend public notification beyond the standard 1,200-foot radius ‘because of the large nature, the large scale nature of this.’ The applicant has not yet sent the required notification mailers.
Significant Flooding Challenges
The most pressing concern raised during the session involved extensive flooding risks across the project site. Zaia-Roberts emphasized the severity of the issue, stating that the property “is significantly impacted by the Santa Rosa Wash and the Greene Wash” with flood zone A designation estimated to cover “at least 85%” of the entire site.
The flood zone A designation indicates areas with a high risk of flooding where homeowners and businesses with federally backed mortgages must purchase flood insurance. This classification represents an elevated flood hazard that presents significant development challenges for the proposed energy facility.
“The applicant will need to provide some significant drainage study to accommodate potential land uses within this area,” Zaia-Roberts explained during his presentation.
Commissioner Karen Mooney expressed serious concerns about flooding impacts on neighboring properties. “If this project were to go in and have to redo everything, that’s going to affect neighbor properties significantly. This is the largest I’ve seen for flooding,” she said.
Mooney drew from her own community’s experience with flooding from the San Tan Mountains, expressing concerns about how drainage modifications might affect downstream properties. She asked staff how far beyond the project area flood control typically analyzes water flow impacts.
When asked about flood control review scope, Zaia-Roberts acknowledged uncertainty, stating his understanding was that “flood control typically takes a look at it and ensures that where it enters the property and exits the property, doesn’t increase hazard, based on flow rate. But I would ultimately refer that question to flood control, and they’ll likely provide comments regarding this.”
Zaia-Roberts noted that existing agricultural properties in the area “likely didn’t have as much impact from flood concerns, or they existed prior to this flood zone designation being implemented.”
Commissioner Gary Pranzo added historical context, commenting that “building out where water’s gonna flow widens the flood zone. Florence is a great example. All the vegetation in the Gila. We’ve had flood clear up to the post office.”
Vice Chairman Robert Klob responded to Pranzo’s concerns, saying it was “one that we’ll keep in mind.”
Zaia-Roberts acknowledged the challenge, comparing it to “other flood impact properties that are under review today” and noting “this is going to be a bit of a challenge to convey properly.”
Environmental and Infrastructure Considerations
Staff identified several environmental concerns requiring further analysis. The Open Space and Trails division noted potential impacts to riparian habitat areas, noxious weed mitigation needs, and regional trail system impacts. The project could also affect Greene Wash and Santa Rosa Wash areas that require analysis under Arizona Game and Fish Department guidelines.
The site’s proximity to existing electrical infrastructure, including nearby substations and transmission lines, makes it well-suited for energy development. However, staff emphasized that visual screening for residential neighbors would need consideration during future planning phases.
Future Process
The project will require extensive additional studies before moving forward. The applicant must provide comprehensive drainage reports for review by the Flood Control District, environmental analysis through the Arizona Game and Fish Department, and traffic impact studies.
Following resolution of the entity status questions and completion of required studies, the project would proceed to formal public hearings for the comprehensive plan amendment. A subsequent Planned Area Development overlay and zone change from General Rural to PAD with Industrial Zoning District would then be required for final approval.
The commission’s work session represents the first step in what will likely be a lengthy review process for one of the largest energy projects proposed in Pinal County.
