Politics & Government
Critics Explode Against Proposed Carlsbad Energy Center at Panel Meeting
The natural gas-fired power plant would be built on coastal site of existing Encina Power Station.
Julian Niguard asked: “How could you put a potentially explosive power plant by a freeway and a railway?”
Debra Clostier was in “extreme disbelief” that another power plant could be built where one already sits.
And Jeff LaGondra echoed Clostier: “One is more than enough on the coastline.”
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They and other Carlsbad residents appeared Thursday afternoon before the California Energy Commission reviewing the proposed Carlsbad Energy Center project. The meeting was in a ballroom of the Hilton Garden Inn.
The 558-megawatt natural gas-fired facility would be built on the site of the existing Encina Power Station on the Carlsbad coast.
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For a second time, the commission has already approved the project, saying there are no significant environmental impacts and that it complies with all laws, regulations and ordinances.
One resident passed around three aerial photographs of the site of the Encina Power Station, and a handout showing the potential earthquake dangers to the area.
One of the photos showed the site in 1947, another in 1953, and a third as it stands today. As John Barber was describing the photos, a committee member cut him off, saying he had run out of speaking time.
Several members of the audience volunteered to give their speaking time to Barber so he could continue. Barber claims the photos show that the power plant is on an active fault line, and an offshore earthquake would cause a disaster similar to the power plant meltdown during the 2011 earthquake and tsunami on the coast of Tohoku, Japan.
“There are other sources and places” to put a power plant, Barber said.
Speaking on behalf of the City Council, Keith Blackburn said it opposes the project. He said the council believes the project is not safe for reasons including roads being too narrow for emergency vehicles.
It would, “subject our coastlines to more smokestacks and heavy industry,” Blackburn said, and “affect the economy and lifestyle of the community for generations to come.”
Residents still interested in making comments can do so until April 27, via e-mail to docket@energy.state.ca.us. Include your name, organization (if applicable) and Carlsbad Docket No. 07-ACF-06 in the subject line.
