voiceofsandiego.org: Letters... The Powerlink Factor

It's great to see Mayoral candidates arguing over who is better for the environment. I look forward to it. However, neither can claim to "get it" when each supports the old-paradigm project: the ill-named Sunrise Powerlink.

This project is the single worst proposal for the environment in the last 20 years, probably for the next 20. The implications are multifold. The line would allow the importation of dirty fossil fuel-based power that would undermine local markets for solar power. It would increase our region's dependence on imported fossil fuels and require continued and increased export of ratepayers' wealth. It would continue or increase our greenhouse gas emissions. Contrary to the green sales job, there is no requirement that the line import clean power.

Empty rooftops happen to be the number one under-utilized resource in the region when combined with local sunshine, and solar panels are the number one path to energy independence and reduction of our region's greenhouse gas emissions.

Finally, running power lines through remote, fire-prone areas is also an old paradigm notion. Such lines are a security risk that cannot be adequately protected.

The Smart Energy Plan exists that eliminates the need for any such "powerlink" and would give our region control of our power sources instead of exporting both control and money to outside forces.

Candidates who believe they can support the Powerlink and still be an environmentalist - or even a fiscal or security conservative - simply haven't asked enough critical questions to understand the flaws in the proposal.

I urge all candidates who have endorsed the Powerlink without questioning the details to take another look. Read the Smart Energy Plan. Leadership on the environment requires new, clean technology plans, not old centralized control, dirty power plans sold as if they are green without the necessary guarantees.

Cool -- Carolyn is springing for solar for everyone! Who knew she was a billionaire?

Posted by Sunshine girl | reply to this comment
February 13, 2008 11:25 am

I agree--when can I expect the "free" installation?

Posted by Howiek | reply to this comment
February 13, 2008 2:21 pm

Thanks, Carolyn. You are bringing up the single worst factor in the Sunrise Powerlink. The "Dirty LNG" or "HOT gas" that has been reported over and over again. Has ANYBODY looked into the effects that this Hot Gas will have on interior of our homes ? The U/T stated that the pollution would increase 50 % inside - due to the burning of the new LNG imported through the Sempra terminal south of Tijuana. Sempra has stated that they do not HAVE to scrub the LNG of the most dangerous chemicals since it is imported. Besides it would cost them 1 % - which would of course be passed on to the customers anyway. All of the power plants and everything else that uses natural gas will soon be pouring out the soup of noxious fumes. Thanks, Carolyn.

Posted by San Marcos says, | reply to this comment
February 13, 2008 6:34 pm

Oh, well, the taxpayers will take care of it. After all, it isn't "real" money. It's other people's money. Be sure and take that $600/$1,200 check and spend, spend, spend. Maybe buy yourself a new house.

Posted by Edgar | reply to this comment
February 13, 2008 7:38 pm

You can expect the free installation the same time you can expect it from the free installation of the Powerlink in other words, there aint no free lunch - though the sunshine IS free and the solar heating panels on my roof were scavenged for free and installed with my husband's own labor. My point is that everyone will have to pay for the Powerlink whether they need it or not to the tune of more than $2 billion- that if it were invested in conservation, efficiency and renewables would keep those funds local and paying back, rather than exporting them and increasing pollution and security risks. And if I were a billionaire I would be making these investments! :)

Posted by Carolyn Chase | reply to this comment
February 14, 2008 7:51 am

Carolyn - I'm a Sierra Club member and am investing in solar too. But I'm also a skeptic of EVERYONE, even the orgs I support. So here's what I've been unable to understand: If SDG&E is not going to use the power link to bring in solar and wind power generated in the desert as they claim is a big reason for the line, then how ARE they going to meet the state mandate that requires them to have 20 percent of their energy come from green sources by 2010? That's what makes it hard to believe this line is just a ploy to bring in dirty power. They have to do SOMETHING because they don't have many options here in the county to meet that green energy mandate. (CONT.)

Posted by Sunshine girl | reply to this comment
February 14, 2008 10:38 am

Furthermore, can you please explain why the Sierra Club is noticably less vocal about the border fence, which is at least as damaging if not more than the Sunrise Power link? It's longer, goes through precious desert terrain, will probably have way more impacts during construction, etc. I don't understand why I'm not getting all the mailers and seeing the same level of scrutiny on this from the Sierra Club. It makes me want to cancel my membership.

Posted by Sunshine girl | reply to this comment
February 14, 2008 10:58 am

Howiek said "I agree--when can I expect the "free" installation?". Do you think you won't pay for Powerlink in your rates?

Posted by Larry | reply to this comment
February 14, 2008 12:51 pm

No Larry, that I already expected!

Posted by Howiek | reply to this comment
February 14, 2008 1:43 pm

ZZZZZ...Dream...Powe to me...I can Flex My Power...I am powerful...ZZZZ // Yo, wake up people, this powerlink is for OC/ LA, not sleepy little San Diego, this much has been confirmed since day one. San Diego is just the cactus garden they want to tramp through to make money selling power to the masses north of Camp Pendleton. // Also, when I sat in a small meeting with the SDG&E VP of Public Relations before Jesse Knight came onto the scene at Sempra, he confirmed that the Sunrise Powerlink WAS intended primarily to boost bandwidth to sell more power which was a 'silent' demand of the shareholders. I doubt he'd get away with telling the truth like that nowadays. This powerlink is bad for all the reasons Carolyn mentioned, plus you San Diegans are just going to get run over with bills and invasive infrastructure.

Posted by Christopher Hall | reply to this comment
February 14, 2008 7:38 pm

I just went back and read the stories on the EIR done by the state, and it says a better alternative is more fossil-fuel power plants here in San Diego. What??? Talk about invasive infrastructure! Where are they going to put them? Oh, that's right -- they'll put them near the poor people. Well, I guess it's OK then.

Posted by Sunshine girl | reply to this comment
February 15, 2008 10:11 am

The Powerlink Factor

By Carolyn Chase, Pacific Beach