Printer-friendly version
By Miriam Raftery
June 20, 2012 (San Diego) – Amid vocal community opposition, the city of San Diego’s Planning Commission will soon consider whether to approve a zoning change that would allow the proposed gas-fired Quail Brush power plant to be built next to Mission Trails Regional Park. The public hearing will be held on Thursday, June 28, 2012 at 9 a.m. in the City Administration Building, 202 C Street, 12th floor in downtown San Diego.
Opposition to the facility has united factions on all sides of the political aisle. Santee Mayor Randy Voepel, a conservative Tea Party member, and Congressman Bob Filner, a Democrat and mayoral candidate, have both spoken out against the project. So have hundreds of area residents in Santee and San Diego.
“There is no need to build a gas-fired power plant when the same amount of power can be generated with solar panels and building this plant will contribute pollution to an area that is currently enjoyed for not having as much pollution as other areas,” said Hugh Moore with San Diego’s Green Party.
On June 9, opponents held a rally and march on Mission Gorge Road to raise visibility for the issue, wearing orange and utilizing noisemakers to draw attention. Santee’s City Council has voted to oppose the Quail Brush plant. The City has erected large anti-Quail Brush signs around the city.
Councilmembers John Minto and Jack Dale are now pushing the City to create an energy master plan. “Our goal is to hear from a variety of energy experts in the coming months,” Minto has stated, also voicing interest in sustainable power sources such as solar.
Recent comments