Blog: Is Measure A the Only Way?

Measure A

For quite some time, I have been asserting that Measure A is the only way to stop a new power plant in our town.  And I truly believe that, otherwise I would not have committed nearly two years of my life to activities related to Measure A. 

I based my conclusion on our research about and discussions with the cities who have recently won or lost their battle against new power plants.  I also based this on discussions Bill Brand conducted with members of the state agencies who control our power. I based it on state agency testimony to our City Council.  I also based this on my research of the CEC process and track record. 

Apparently, at least to some extent, the City Attorney agrees with this assessment.  His Impartial Analysis of Measure A highlights that Measure A would force the CEC to use a higher standard if they wanted to approve a power plant and override Measure A zoning. 

And then there is a state auditor's report that shows a greater than 95% success rate when a City has substantive opposition usually in the form of a zoning or regulation conflict. 

But one need only look at AES spending over $400,000 against Measure A to realize AES thinks Measure A represents a real threat to their new plant.

Another way?

Recently, you may have heard or read some elected officials and now a few residents say claim there is another way.  I’ve not heard anyone detail what that other way might be.  At best, when pressed some throw out some vague statement that the City can use its role as an “intervenor” to try to get the CEC to deny the plant.

Let’s assume Measure A loses and the city engages as an intervenor. How would the CEC assess the City’s position?  Let’s see…

• Did the City pass a resolution opposing the new power plant?  - No
• Do a majority of the residents oppose the new power plant?  - No, in this scenario, Measure A lost.
• Are there any Redondo noise ordinances the new plant would break? – No, the City Council refused to establish noise limits for the new harbor area zoning
• Are there any Redondo view ordinances the new plant would violate – No
• Are there any setback, height limits, or development limits that the new plant would violate – No
• Does the current zoning allow a new power plant?  - Yes

Intervening alone is not looking too good, is it? In fact, when the City raised their concerns in writing during the CEC's data adequacy assessment of the AES application, the CEC basically responded, “noted.” They did not require AES to address any of the data adequacy concerns of the City. And, believe me, the City pointed out gaping holes in AES' application.

I have not found one instance where intervening alone stopped a power plant. I have found where residents and organizations spent hours attending meetings, submitting documents, participating in the process only to be totally frustrated in the end. The successful cities have passed zoning changes, resolutions, filed lawsuits against the power plant, sent letter after letter to the CEC and then became an intervenor to top it all off. But, if there is a case where intervening alone stopped a power plant, I have yet to find it.

The handwriting is on the wall.  If “intervening” is our strategy to stop a new power plant, we are dooming ourselves to a new power plant.

Conclusion: Measure A IS the only way.

So in the end, I stand by my statement that Measure A is the only way. 

If you don’t want a new power plant, vote Yes on Measure A.

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