The California State Parks department is backing away from a position formally opposing the controversial Sunrise Powerlink. The project would bring electricity from Imperial County to San Diego. KPBS Radio's Andrew Phelps explains.
Last week a high-level park official said the department opposes the project because the Powerlink would run through the Anza-Borrego desert and threaten endangered wildlife. But District Superintendent Mike Wells now says it was a mistake to imply the department has an official position. However, Wells says the state agency still has serious concerns about the environmental impact of the project.
Parks Spokesman Roy Stearns says the department might not take a public stance on the project. Officials are waiting to review SDG&E's application to the California Public Utilities Commission. Stearns says the parks department wants to work with the utility to address the department's concerns. For KPBS, I'm Andrew Phelps.
