MAYOR VOEPEL OPPOSES QUAIL BRUSH EXTENSION

By Miriam Raftery

April 23, 2014 (San Diego’s East County) – Last week, we reported that applicants for the controversial gas-fired Quail Brush Power plant proposal asked the California Energy Commission to extend a suspension for another year and keep alive the potential to revive the project proposed next to Mission Trails Regional Park in San Diegio and schools in Santee.

Mayor Randy Voepel has both sent a letter to the California  Energy Commission opposition the etension.

Voepel called the project “badly flawed,inappropriate and unneccesary.”  He added that Santee’s City Council also opposes the project, which would have a “significant and negative impcat on Santee residents” including biological resources, noise levels and fire safety. He concluded, “I urge you to put an end to this matter once and for all.”

Dozens of residents and environmental representatives have also sent comments opposing the extension.

Noticeably absent thus far are any comments from San Diego’s new Mayor, Kevin Faulconer, or or the City Council. Former Mayor Bob Filner was a vocal opponent of the project, which was also opposed by the San Diego City Council.   ECM has contacted Mayor Faulconer and Council Chair Sherri Lightner to inquire whether they plan to send comments to the Energy Commission on the proposed Quail Brush suspension extension or not.

"Faulconer spokesman Craig Gustafson responded that Faulconer remains opposed to the Quail Brush project, but did not confirm whether Mayor Faulconer will be sending comments to the Energy Commission opposing an extension of the suspension requested by the applicant."

Some local political leaders have never taken a stand for or against the controversial measure, notably the region's State Senator, Joel Anderson.

Correction: An earlier version of this article stated that Congresswoman Susan Davis sent comments opposing extension of the Quail Brush suspension.  In fact those comments were  submitted to the California Energy Commission by a local resident with the same name, not the Congresswoman, who has not taken a position.