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Sunrise Powerlink Options Narrowed

The California Public Utilities Commission has narrowed the alternatives for the proposed Sunrise Powerlink project. KPBS reporter Ed Joyce has details.

Sunrise Powerlink Options Narrowed

The California Public Utilities Commission has narrowed the alternatives for the proposed Sunrise Powerlink project. KPBS reporter Ed Joyce has details.

San Diego Gas and Electric wants to build a transmission line that would carry power from renewable sources in the Imperial Valley to San Diego. The state PUC and the federal Bureau of Land Management have now eliminated several routes, including one in Borrego Springs. Others are still in the mix, including a route through the Cleveland National Forest and the I-8 alternative near Boulevard. David Hogan is with the Center for Biological Diversity.

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Hogan : The document does appear to be taking seriously consideration of what we call no wires alternatives -- basically don't build the Powerlink and just do more good things locally in San Diego -- like more solar power and more wind energy to reduce the need for building a brand-new giant industrial transmission line through our back country.

SDG&E says the Powerlink project would provide energy to power more than 600,000 thousand homes. Federal and state officials will consider the alternatives for a draft Environmental Impact Report. The report is due in mid-July.

Ed Joyce, KPBS News.