Reconsider flexing your power in Hayward

0 Comments | Oakland Tribune, Jun 8, 2007

IF there's a hot topic in Hayward these days, it's the two proposed power plants that Calpine Corp. and Tierra Energy want to plop down on the west side of town.

Now, there's no question that Hayward has an industrial reputation. But does that mean residents should be forcibly doomed to breathe more questionable air? Does that mean Tierra is justified in devising a secret plan for the Eastshore peaker plant without first seeking civilian input? Just because we house more industry does not mean it's automatically OK to locate two power plants here. Key word: automatically. So Calpine and Tierra, let's not fall into a state of complacency here.

California Energy Commission officials held an informational meeting on Wednesday as a sort of mass airing of concerns for all parties. That included their own concerns about any possible barriers delaying the approval process for both the Eastshore and Russell City plants.

We say not so fast there, buddy. These "possible barriers" include air quality studies and possible impacts on surrounding neighborhoods. The power companies are always quick to point out that they'll buy credits to offset the pollution, but what does that do to make conditions acceptable for residents in the area of the plants? Nothing. This isn't a process that would, could or should be rushed. The Bay Area may need power, but that doesn't trump basic quality-of-life and health issues.

We urge the CEC, Calpine, Tierra and Pacific Gas & Electric Co. to take their time in these planning stages. Listen to residents and city leaders and genuinely take their concerns to heart. Do we really need two power plants in the same area? Do we really need two in Hayward in general? Consider the impacts. Weigh the information. And decide: Isn't there somewhere else more conducive to this plan?