June 22, 2007
PREPARING FOR THE COMING ELECTIONS
The League of Conservation Voters San Diego (LCVSD) is gearing up to help environmental candidates and issues during the upcoming 2008 elections. This effort will include interviewing and endorsing candidates; plus raising funds to directly help environmental candidates and issues.
On May 28th 2007 LCVSD held a fundraising reception where we raised over $5,000. Yet much more is needed to make a difference. You can help build this fund by contributing at the LCVSD web.
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RECENT ENVIRONMENTAL ISSUES, ELECTED OFFICIALS AND CANDIDATES
BEN HUESO AND THE CALIFORNIA COASTAL COMMISSION - LCVSD would like to thank the California Coastal Commission ( http://www.coastal.ca.gov/); and particularly our local Commissioners San Diego City
Councilmember Ben Hueso (http://www.sandiego.gov/citycouncil/cd8/index.shtml) and Chairman Patrick Kruer - for its critical June 13 vote (http://www.signonsandiego.com/news/state/20070613-2029-glf-pebblebeachdevelopment.html
) to protect 15,000 Monterey Pines from a proposed golf development in Pebble Beach. The high-profile project, which was backed by Hollywood legend, Clint Eastwood,would have affected more than 100 acres of undeveloped land in the Del Monte Forest, jeopardizing one of five remaining stands of old-growth Monterey pines in the world.
Please thank Councilmember Hueso (mailto:benhueso@sandiego.gov) for his important stand. Also,Lorena Gonzalez has been appointed as the alternate for Ben Hueso to the Coastal Commission. Ms. Gonzalez is an environmental attorney, Political Director for the San Diego-Imperial Counties Labor Council, and a board member of the
LCVSD.
AWARD TO MAYOR ANTONIO VILLARIAGOSA- On May 28th, at our Spring fundraising reception, Antonio Villariagosa, Mayor of the City of Los Angeles, received a special award for his leadership. We appreciate
his efforts to build coalitions, especially between environmental groups and labor.
SAN ONOFRE STATE PARK/TRESTLES vs. PROPOSED TOLL HIGHWAY SR 241(LCVSD supports the Park and opposes the proposed toll road)- In the past, the Orange County Transportation Corridor Agencies (TCA)had Congress
pass a federal exemption from many of California's laws. Fortunately, Congresswoman Susan Davis recently sponsored legislation to remove that federal exemption. If that measure passes the Senate, the TCA will be required to respect California laws. Thank you Susan Davis!
SUNRISE POWERLINK (LCVSD opposes the proposed route)- Hearings by the California Public Utilities Commission (PUC) will be in July 2007 in San Diego. Also, the Utility Consumers' Action Network(UCAN) recently released and defended a proposed alternative, with its$120 million estimate costs (vs. $1.3 Billion for the Sunrise Powerlink). In
turn, SDG&E has filed documents with the State PUC against the UCAN plan. Adding to the confusion, the Federal government may preempt the authority of the State of California and of local governments to grant approval of the power line.
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OTHER NEWS
WATER MANAGEMENT PLAN - San Diego County Water Authority, the City of San Diego, and the County of San Diego are seeking public comments on their proposed Integrated Regional Water Management Plan (IRWM Plan).
The IRWM Plan identifies programs and projects to optimize water supply reliability and water quality. It may have significant environmental impacts. The draft IRWM Plan and Public Comment Form can be found at the San Diego IRWM Plan website (www.sdirwmp.org).
ALTERNATIVE ENERGY - San Diego was selected by the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE)for one of it's "Solar America Cities" awards to promote solar-powered technologies.
ALTERNATIVE ENERGY - Two businesses,Genomatica Inc. and Verenium
(Diversa) Corp., have increased their efforts to develop Biofuels.
ALTERNATIVE ENERGY - Bull Moose Energy, LLC. will get a $60 million investment to design and build an electric generating facility that is fueled by biomass waste products, such as wood waste. The facility will be located on a 20-acre parcel in South Otay Mesa.
GREEN BUILDING - The State Department of Motor Vehicles building in San Ysidro has received a special award for it's green design and photovoltaic panels on its roof.
SEWAGE TREATMENT - The City of San Diego may soon be the last holdout on the California coast to resist secondary treatment of sewage. Some in the City hope to renew its exemption by the Federal EPA and avoid
secondary treatment of sewage into the ocean.
TOXIC POLLUTION - Toxic pollution has increased in San Diego County according to the Voice of San Diego report on EPA's Toxic Release Inventory (http://www.voiceofsandiego.org/articles/2007/06/20/environment/938toxics061907.txt)
ENERGY EFFICIENCY - Six major consumers of energy were honored by SDG&E for their energy efficiencies: QUALCOMM, The Burnham Institute for Medical Research, Sweetwater Union High School District, Teamwork
Athletic Apparel, The Ranch House at Del Sur, and American Lighting Supply.
