SAN DIEGO–Today the California Public Utilities Commission announced its unanimous approval of the new power plant, Pio Pico, in Otay Mesa, despite the widespread and significant opposition from community groups and residents throughout San Diego County and the state.
Environmental Health Coalition, which fights toxic pollution in communities south of Interstate-8, and California Environmental Justice Alliance, its statewide alliance, expressed dismay at today’s decision to build another hazardous power plant in San Diego’s underserved communities. The organizations say the decision moves the region away from a healthier future and from climate goals outlined by the City of San Diego, other cities in the region, and the state, and is an example of environmental racism.
The hearing, held at the Commission’s office in San Francisco, heard testimony from local residents and allies statewide in opposition to the power plant being built.
“By having this hearing in San Francisco, the Commission made it clear they really have no interest in hearing from the community most directly impacted by Pio Pico,” says Roddy Jerome, resident of San Ysidro. “Now, SDG&E ratepayers in San Diego face financial and environmental burdens for at least the next 25 years and all Californians will feel this ripple effect on our climate, our health and our economy. The worst part is, it doesn’t have to be this way.”
Before construction on the plant can begin in Otay Mesa, an area identified by the state’s environmental protection agency as already facing some of the worst pollution impacts in California, Pio Pico must obtain an air pollution permit from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. The agency held a local hearing in December 2013 and plans to release a decision this spring.
“Better options exist, but the Commission is choosing, once again, to dump a polluting power plant in a low income community of color that already shoulders a huge burden of pollution from various sources,” says Kayla Race, policy advocate with Environmental Health Coalition. “Solar rooftop panels could provide a clean energy solution for everyone, but clearly SDG&E is not interested in updating its archaic business models or protecting customers, otherwise Pio Pico would not even be on the table.”
