There is no need for the Sunrise Powerlink,
So let’s stop it now!

The Protect our Communities Fund (POC) is seeking additional financial support for its cooperative campaign to prevent construction of the 150 mile Sunrise Powerlink through parks, communities, and private property. These funds will enable us to build on the momentum of recent successes with a comprehensive and integrated strategy including legal advocacy, organizing, lobbying, research, education, and litigation.

Background
Over the past year, our partners, which include but are not limited to, Anza Borrego Foundation, Border Power Plant Working Group, Center for Biological Diversity (CBD), Community Alliance for Sensible Energy (CASE), Communities United for Sensible Power (CUSP), People’s Powerlink, and The Sierra Club, have achieved remarkable early results in efforts to prevent construction of the unnecessary and harmful project, known as the Sunrise Powerlink.

Our partners have successfully challenged San Diego Gas and Electric’s (SDGE) application to the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) to construct the Powerlink. Many have become formal intervenors in the CPUC application proceedings, filed motions opposing SDG&E maneuvers, pressed for broader public disclosure, and submitted detailed comments calling for analysis of “no wires” alternatives.

Our coalition has successfully used the media to raise public awareness of the risks to people and the environment posed by the proposed Powerlink. We have measured that success through the dozens of newspaper articles and extensive radio and television coverage generated.

These activities have produced tangible and conspicuous early results: The Powerlink application has been delayed by more than a year after SDG&E withdrew its first flawed project application and the CPUC granted more time for environmental review; the CPUC held public hearings in San Diego attended by hundreds of Powerlink opponents, and; the CPUC ordered SDG&E to analyze routes outside of Anza-Borrego Desert State Park. POC needs your support to continue and expand this effective campaign.

Legal advocacy and litigation – POC intends to support experienced attorneys to aggressively participate in the California Public Utilities Commission’s permitting proceedings for the Powerlink with a particular focus on environmental law and procedure including NEPA, CEQA, and global warming, as well as utility law and administrative procedure. If necessary, attorneys will aggressively pursue any opportunities to challenge the Powerlink through strategic litigation.

Organizing, lobbying, and education – POC intends to support seasoned organizers, lobbyists, and outreach staff to raise the statewide profile of the threats to Anza-Borrego Desert State Park and other protected natural lands as well as rally opposition through the use of mailers, organizing meetings, and other outreach techniques that generate turnout to key public hearings.

Organizers and lobbyists will lobby politicians and decision makers to oppose the Powerlink.  They will focus on the protection of public lands and assist private property owners in their struggle to preserve our pristine backcountry.

They  will also utilize web sites, e-mail, and printed materials to strategically disseminate information targeted to specific segments of the public as well as to the media.

Research – POC will support consulting experts to advance an alternative and practical vision for San Diego’s energy future while challenging SDGE’s proposed Powerlink claims of reliability, renewables, and economic value.  In addition, studies will focus on the economic impacts on the Anza-Borrego Desert State Park and nearby tourist economies, air quality impacts from polluting power plants in Mexico, and public safety and economic impacts from transmission line-related wildfire.

Join our fight
All donations to the San Diego Foundation (501(c)3) are tax deductible. Pledges are also welcome, as we anticipate the legal action, if the CPUC approves the proposed line, to continue through December 2008. Please contribute today. Thank you.

Key contacts:
Dennis Trafecante-760-703-1149
Michael Pinto-760-782-3717

Send donations to the Protect Our Communities Fund:
The San Diego Foundation, c/o Emily Young
2508 Historic Decatur Rd., Suite 200, San Diego CA 92106

619-235-2300;  eyoung@sdfoundation.org

Upcoming Events:

Publication of Draft EIR/EIS
January, 2008

Draft EIR/EIS Workshops Conducted by Environmental Review Team
January, 2008

Telephonic Discovery Conferences Begin Again,
to Continue Weekly as Needed
February 5, 2008, 2:00 p.m.
877-347-9604, Code – 771069

Public Participation Hearing - Pine Valley
February 25, 2008, 6:30 p.m.

Public Participation Hearing - Borrego Springs
February 26, 2008, 1:00 p.m.

Public Participation Hearing - Ramona
February 26, 2008, 7:00 p.m.

Details for the Public Participation Hearings are as follows:

MONDAY, FEBRUARY 25, 2008 , 6:30 p.m.
Mountain Empire High School
3305 Buckman Springs Rd.
Pine Valley, CA 91962

TUESDAY. FEBRUARY 26, 2008, 1:00 p.m.
Borrego Springs
Borrego Springs Resort
1112 Tilting T Drive
Borrego Springs, CA 92004

TUESDAY. FEBRUARY 26, 2008, 7:00 p.m.
Ramona
Charles Nunn Performing Arts Center
1521 Hanson Lane
Ramona, CA 92065