People want green energy, not Sempra 'Powerlink'

CPUC should say no to Sempra's SDGE 'Sunrise Powerlink' push

BORREGO SPRINGS CA -- Some energy and environment news from the western edges of the Sonoran Desert.

Yesterday was an unprecedented day for the San Diego Smart Energy Solutions Campaign to protect Anza-Borrego Desert State Park, the BLM California Desert Conservation Area, the Cleveland National Forest and local communities from the unnecessary, devastating Sunrise Powerlink.

Nearly 650 activists packed the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) Public Hearing in Borrego Springs to tell the Commissioners that we have smarter energy alternatives than the Sunrise Powerlink. But this wasn't just any hearing - for the first time, four of the five Commissioners from the CPUC, the direct decision makers, came to San Diego County to hear from the community. And the community responded. I was inspired to see that Sunrise Powerlink opponents outnumbered supporters by an incredible eight to one!

During the hearing, young and old alike testified that local communities and protected open spaces are too precious to lose to an unnecessary, fossil-fueled proposal that does nothing to deliver renewable energy or reduce global warming greenhouse gases. Each told a unique story, but all shared the common theme that this project is a step backward for San Diego when we know there are cleaner, reliable alternatives that will boost our local economy and minimize fire risk.

Although we have passed a significant milestone, our battle is not over. Stay tuned to learn how you can continue to take action to keep our local communities, Anza-Borrego Desert State Park, CDCA and the Cleveland National Forest safe from this unnecessary proposal.

Many thanks to those who volunteered and attended the CPUC Hearing. Because of your hard work, the Commissioners heard from the public loud and clear - there are smarter energy alternatives than the unnecessary, damaging Sunrise Powerlink!

- adapted from Micah

For more on this topic, please click the 'Energy and Nature' link under the links section on this blog.