Play Live Radio
Next Up:
0:00
0:00
Available On Air Stations
Watch Live

Environment

SDG&E Doesn't Expect Lawsuit To Derail Sunrise Powerlink Project

The proposed route for the Sunrise Powerlink.
SDG&E
The proposed route for the Sunrise Powerlink.

SDG&E Doesn't Expect Lawsuit To Derail Sunrise Powerlink Project
San Diego Gas and Electric does not expect a lawsuit challenging the construction of the Sunrise Powerlink to prevent the project from going forward.

San Diego Gas and Electric does not expect a lawsuit challenging the construction of the Sunrise Powerlink to prevent the project from going forward. The lawsuit was filed Tuesday in Sacramento.

The Sunrise Powerlink electrical transmission line would go through parts of Imperial and San Diego Counties.

Advertisement

Three San Diego County-based community groups filed the lawsuit.

The suit claims the federal Bureau of Land Management or BLM, disregarded laws to protect people and nature when it approved the 120-mile Sunrise Powerlink.

Jennifer Briscoe with San Diego Gas and Electric said the BLM decision came after an extensive process.

"We will of course defend the Sunrise Powerlink and we support the BLM and Fish and Wildlife Service process," said Briscoe. "Project opponents' actions are seeking to further delay the customer, economic and environmental benefits of this energy infrastructure project."

The $1.8 billion Sunrise Powerlink project still needs approval from the U.S. Forest Service for the portion of the line that would go through the Cleveland National Forest.