| Los Angeles County, CA | March 5, 2013 Election |
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My Position on AES Re-Powering Their FacilityBy Matthew J. "Matt" KilroyCandidate for Mayor; City of Redondo Beach |
This information is provided by the candidate | |
One of the most controversial issues in Redondo Beach at this time is the future of the AES power plant. Everyone agrees that they want the existing power plant and all of the related equipment removed + EVEN AES. The property belongs to AES and the final decision regarding a permit to repower lies with the California Energy Commission (CEC). Although the proposed plant will take up only a fraction of the existing property and will be much less visible, it is my opinion that a power plant is not a compatible use to the surrounding neighborhoods. A new power plant is certainly not consistent with the vision of what our harbor and pier area can become. I have sent a letter to the CEC to that affect, stating that I would prefer that AES not be given a license to repower. I do believe it is legal to rezone property, providing that reasonable economic benefit is given. Although legal, it is also my opinion that rezoning, without the agreement of the property owner, will certainly result in extracted, costly, legal proceedings. It is debatable if the "initiative" zoning gives reasonable economic benefit and if passed by the voters and found to be deficient could result in the City paying hundreds of millions of dollars to AES. I am not willing to risk the financial health of the City by supporting the zoning initiative which, even if passed by the voters, can be over ridden by the CEC if they find the power plant is needed. In the event that the CEC grants a permit to AES to repower the facility I will be asking for mitigation measures that minimize and offset the negative impacts to the City and surrounding neighborhoods. These will include a fund to pay for the installation of solar water heaters in residential and commercial areas to reduce the amount of pollution generated from heating of water. AES should also be willing to pay for the installation of electric vehicle charging stations in public areas throughout the City to facilitate the conversion of private vehicles to electric power. AES should be required to pay a hosting fee to the City to mitigate the negative economic impacts from reduced property and sales tax revenue. Lastly, I will demand that AES provide funds to increase and maintain our public trees (urban forest), again to mitigate the negative environmental impacts of a new power plant on our community. Regardless of what direction this issue takes, my commitment is to work with all parties and stakeholders to achieve the best possible outcome for all concerned. |
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