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South Bay Power Plant Postponement Requested

Environmental activists and some elected officials from the South Bay are urging the Port of San Diego to postpone its decision to build a new power plant in Chula Vista. KPBS Reporter Amy Isackson ha

South Bay Power Plant Postponement Requested

Environmental activists and some elected officials from the South Bay are urging the Port of San Diego to postpone its decision to build a new power plant in Chula Vista. KPBS Reporter Amy Isackson has details.

There’s little disagreement that the existing South Bay power plant should be removed. It pollutes the area, is inefficient and an eyesore. However, there’s little consensus on how the plant should be replaced.

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LS Power, who currently operates the plant, has applied to the California Energy Commission to build a new facility next door. The Commission replied with a list of 98 questions including how quickly LS Power will dismantle the old plant.

Environmental Health Coalition Director Laura Hunter says the Port should make sure all the questions are answered.

Hunter: There’s no reason for the Port to lock us into a 45 year commitment at this point when we don’t have the benefit of that analysis.

Hunter says another big question is if better options exist to meet the region’s energy needs. Amy Isackson, KPBS News.

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