Scottsdale, Arizona -
Newsfile Corp.
- June 24, 2025 - Greenbriar Sustainable Living Inc. (TSXV: GRB) (OTC
Pink: GEBRF) ("Greenbriar" or the "Company") is pleased to share
progress in securing water rights for its 995-home Sage Ranch
development in Tehachapi, California. This update highlights
Greenbriar's advancements toward meeting water supply goals, clarifies
fair pricing benchmarks, and emphasizes our partnering efforts with
local water rights holders and the City of Tehachapi.
Significant Strides in Water Acquisition
Greenbriar is pleased to announce that we have secured 188 net acre-feet
(282 base acre-feet) of adjudicated water rights in the Tehachapi
Basin, either through direct ownership or binding option agreements.
With only 109 net acre-feet (164 base acre-feet) needed to reach the 297
net acre-feet required for our Water Supply Assessment (WSA), we are
plan to complete this milestone in the foreseeable future. From 2024
court filings using excerpts from the Tehachapi Cummings County Water
District, the Tehachapi Basin has a robust surplus, including over 2,400
adjudicated acre-feet of unused water annually from an 8,020 base
acre-feet allocation and a court filed 23,000+ acre-feet of state water,
ensuring ample supply to support the local community. The adjudicated
Tehachapi basin contains 370,000 acre-feet.
Note that Greenbriar at this moment is choosing adjudicated deeded water
rights (versus river water from the State Water Project) and we are
working with local owners of water rights to obtain the additional
increment required.
Setting Transparent Water Pricing Benchmarks
Greenbriar in its informed opinion, anticipates future purchases to
remain within a fair range of $8,000 to $11,000 per acre-feet (albeit
with some upside pressure due to Greenbriar's short-term demand
requirement on the market), reflecting the basin's overall surplus
supply and ensuring equitable value for all parties. Related benchmarks
include a company director selling at $10,000 per baseline acre-feet
purchased by Golden Hills in 2024, and a purchase in 2023 and 2024 by
the City of Tehachapi for 23 baseline acre-feet from the Gerson Stiekman
Trust (2023) and 55 baseline acre-feet from the Bozenich Trust (2024),
each for $7,500.
Regrettably, there is an inaccurate data point in the local media
stating that our firm paid $29,000 per baseline acre foot for water in a
July 2024 article. To clarify -- the price Greenbriar paid for this
option was not $29,000 per acre feet, but rather less than $11,000 per
acre feet. Greenbriar is actively working with local media to correct
this inaccurate $29,000 figure, reinforcing our commitment to
transparency and accurate market data.
Expected Softening of Water Prices Post-Acquisition
Once Greenbriar secures the remaining 109 net acre-feet, we anticipate
in our opinion, a softening and likely decline of water prices in the
Tehachapi Basin, driven by the market's significant surplus. With over
2,400 acre-feet of adjudicated water unused each year and 23,000+
acre-feet of state water available, the basin's overall supply far
exceeds current demand. After completing our purchases, Greenbriar
believes that the absence of its buying activity is likely to lead to
prices stabilizing at lower levels, rather than the current benchmarks
of $8,000 to $11,000 driven solely by Greenbriar. The above is verified
by many government parties willing to lease Greenbriar adjudicated
water, but Greenbriar believes that direct ownership is the current way
to proceed.
This shift likely represents an opportunity for water rights holders to
monetize idle assets and for future projects to access water
cost-effectively, aligning with our shared goal of sustainable resource
use.
Greenbriar views this as a positive step toward a more efficient and
accessible water market, benefiting the Tehachapi community and beyond.
Building Strong Partnerships with Water Rights Holders
Greenbriar is working to collaborate with key water rights holders in a
collegial and mutually beneficial manner to secure the remaining water
rights. Our approach prioritizes fair pricing, open communication, and
shared commitment to unlocking the value of unused water, which
currently generates minimal leasing to no revenue for owners while
supporting low-cost agricultural leases. By working together, we aim to
create opportunities that advance Sage Ranch while providing economic
benefits for water owners, fostering a spirit of partnership that
strengthens the Tehachapi Basin's water market.
Next Steps with the City of Tehachapi and Stakeholders
Greenbriar is working to deepen its collaboration with the City of
Tehachapi, the California State Water Resources Control Board, and other
regional partners as we finalize our water portfolio. Our roadmap
includes:
- - Completing Water Acquisitions: Finalizing agreements for the
remaining 109 net acre-feet in the coming months, supported by our $40M
construction loan commitment from Voya.
- - Refiling the WSA: Submitting an updated Water Supply
Assessment to confirm Sage Ranch's water security, paving the way for
construction start, which can be done regardless of the 4th COA.
- - Engaging the Community: Maintaining transparent dialogue with
local stakeholders to ensure Sage Ranch delivers sustainable,
entry-level housing, bolstered by the USDA 502D Direct Loan program and
other federal mortgage programs for the hard-working professionals in
the Tehachapi region.
- - Aligning with Regulators: Partnering with state and local
authorities to promote efficient water use and compliance with the
California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA), ensuring Sage Ranch sets a
standard for responsible development.
A Sustainable Future for Sage Ranch and Tehachapi
Greenbriar's progress in securing water rights reflects our unwavering
commitment to delivering Sage Ranch as a beacon of sustainable living.
With strong committed financing from Voya, a path to meeting water
needs, and collaborative partnerships, we are poised to create a vibrant
community that enhances Tehachapi's economic and environmental
landscape. The anticipated softening of water prices post-acquisition
will further support sustainable development in the region, creating
opportunities for all stakeholders. We extend our gratitude to our
shareholders, water rights holders, and the City of Tehachapi for their
support and look forward to sharing further milestones as we bring Sage
Ranch to fruition.
Montalva Update
Greenbriar has timely filed to the Appeal Court the PREB approval to our
PREPA approved settlement. The settlement requires the completion of
some terms in the draft PPOA and this additional language is required to
make the settlement complete.
Cordero Ranch
The company's independent professional engineers are replotting the
6,726 approved lots (67% of that belong to our property) to better
connect the first 400 units to the existing water and sewage lines.
About Greenbriar Sustainable Living Inc.
Greenbriar is a leading developer of sustainable real estate and
renewable energy. With long-term, high impact projects and led by a
successful industry-recognized operating and development team,
Greenbriar targets deep valued assets directed at accretive shareholder
value.
ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS
"Jeff Ciachurski"
Jeffrey J. Ciachurski
Chief Executive Officer and Director
Phone: 949.903.5906
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This news release includes "forward-looking statements" and
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