Blog: Validation and Vindication

For over a year now, we have been advertising the impacts of the new power plant. AES, several councilmen and others said our numbers were wrong or they didn’t believe them. “Wait for AES’ application,” is what we heard.

Well, we are vindicated. AES’s application shows we were pretty darn close. Here are just two examples.

Air Pollution

AES told us all that their new plant will be cleaner. We said it would run more and therefore pollute more. AES’ application proves us right.

The AES environmental analysis indeed confirms that air pollution will go up substantially from what we experience today. While most new plants have applied at about a 60 percent annual capacity factor, AES was greedy and applied at just under 73 percent capacity factor. At this run rate dangerous particulate matter pollution would increase 1500 percent over what AES reports today. 

But in a letter to the City, AES stated the plant will likely run at between 25 percent and 42 percent annual capacity. Even at the low end, 25 percent, the new plant will spew 500 percent more particulate matter than what is reported today.

AES and our own elected officials touted how clean our air is. The AES report shows that our air does not meet Federal and State standards for particulate pollution. The report shows the new plant makes it worse.

SCORE:  Us – Accurate; AES – misleading

Views

AES’ slick mailer had views from deep in the harbor and from the very tip of pier showing that clumps of palm trees would hide the plant. AES officials stated the new plant would be “hidden from most views.” While their environmental analysis still shows their “convenient” perspectives that hide the plant, several views (included with the article) show that the plant will still dominate our waterfront. But even there, they continue to avoid the most embarrassing and damning views. I have included a picture of the angles AES used for their analysis. Those are the black arrows. I overlaid view perspectives that Redondo residents and visitors see most frequently in yellow arrows. AES neglected to include those views. Nevertheless, AES’ own report confirms they cannot hide the new power plant behind palm trees. I suspect that is why they are now trying to put “lipstick on the pig” surrounding the new plant with a façade that on one side includes the Whaling Wall. 

SCORE: Us – Accurate; AES – misleading

Some of our elected officials used the excuse that they wanted to see AES’ environmental report before they took any position or action. Now, the data is there. The impacts we projected are validated. It is time for them to finally do their job to protect resident quality of life, environment, and the health of our children. 

But, I am not under any delusion that our feckless Council will actually do anything substantive. I am sure they will find other excuses for doing what they do best—nothing. So, once again residents must take matters in their own hands. Our vote is our only power. Measure A is our only chance to stop a new power plant.

Vote “Yes” on Measure A. And vote for elected officials who have strongly committed to oppose the power plant.