Letter: Attend Power Plant Workshop

Editor's note: This email was sent by Councilman Bill Brand to his constituents and members of the news media.

Hello everyone,

Next Tuesday, Nov. 8th, at 6 p.m., the Redondo Beach will be having a special workshop in the to hear AES present their plans for a new power plant on the Redondo Beach waterfront. No, this is not a joke. They plan to spend years demolishing the and building a new one in the most densely populated area on the entire California coast. What can stop this? YOUR opposition. 

Please come to this meeting and show your support for the permanent RETIREMENT of this out of place industrial facility. Sure, they will show it on a smaller footing—about one-third of the current structure—and claim it will be quiet and more efficient, and cleaner and greener, with smaller stacks and a park, etc. But there will be no getting around the new stacks, and air pollution they will emit.

The equivalent amount of particulate matter a new plant of this size will emit—operating at 60 percent capacity—is equal to over 1 million additional cars in Redondo driving an average of 12,000 miles a year, all in Redondo. What is particulate matter?  It's a common air pollutant regulated by the EPA that causes cancer, asthma attacks, chronic bronchitis and reduced lung function.

Three power plants in California have been retired in similarly densely populated areas. AES Redondo should be next! Public opposition and political pressure will be key. I know everyone is busy and limited in the amount of time they can put to this stuff, but this meeting is muy importante (very important)! AES is going to be selling this hard. They have a lot of money at stake and their plan will sound great. Come listen and consider speaking at the podium for a minute and say you don't want to subject ourselves and future generations to the air pollution and other impacts a new plant will bring, regardless of their beautiful plans, or how dirty it used to be.

Have you signed the petition yet?

Thanks!

Councilman Bill Brand
Redondo Beach
310-809-4405

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