June 19, 2014
Opposition to PG&E Power Line Project Gains
Momentum in Community Meetings
Public Utilities Commission Delays Draft Environmental Impact Report;
NOPOC Donations Top $22,000
Momentum in Community Meetings
Public Utilities Commission Delays Draft Environmental Impact Report;
NOPOC Donations Top $22,000
APTOS, Calif. – It was standing room only when NOPOC organized community meetings in Aptos and Corralitos to inform residents about the impact of a proposed PG&E power line project on their neighborhoods. More than 70 community members attended a meeting at the Aptos Branch Library on May 28, and more than 80 turned out for a gathering at the Corralitos Cultural Center on June 9.
Neighbors Organized to Protect Our Community (NOPOC), an all-volunteer grassroots organization, hosted the well-attended meetings. NOPOC members outlined the project and described the group's ongoing efforts to protect the environment and rural residential neighborhoods from the harmful effects of this proposed industrial-scale project.
"We are gratified and energized by the support of the community," said Dr. Thomas Barker, a founding member of NOPOC. "As more citizens learn about the potential impact of this project, the movement to find alternative solutions that will achieve the goal of reliable power without endangering the environment is gaining momentum.
"Residents understand that this is the time to speak out and express their concerns about PG&E's plan," Barker continued. "We have raised more than $22,000 to hire legal and technical experts to counter PG&E's claims and assertions. We encourage our friends and neighbors to continue to contribute their time, energy, skill, and money to this cause."
The Draft Environmental Impact Report on the project was originally scheduled to be released this summer by the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC). NOPOC recently learned that the Draft EIR has been delayed until late September; no explanation for the delay was given. Citizens will have 45 days to respond with comments after the Draft EIR is released.
John Geesman, a former member and executive director of the California Energy Commission, stressed the importance of community input when he spoke at the Aptos meeting. "Use the comments process to draw out as many issues as possible where PG&E has to provide the underlying data, drive up the cost of reasonable but necessary mitigation measures, and demand a more thorough documentation of need, alternatives, etc.," Geesman said. "Disabuse PG&E and the CPUC staff that this project represents the path of least resistance."
NOPOC will continue to monitor the approval process and will alert concerned citizens when the Draft EIR is released.
About NOPOC: Neighbors Organized to Protect Our Community is a grassroots association of Santa Cruz County residents and concerned citizens who are working together to preserve and protect the natural beauty and character of the community. The association seeks to raise awareness of the impact of the proposed PG&E Santa Cruz 115 kV Project on the environment, wildlife, livestock, agriculture, businesses, and homes in the affected area.
For More Information
NOPOC on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/neighborsOrganized
Phone: 831-613-1639
Email: info@nopoc.org
Address: P.O. Box 2425, Aptos, CA 95001
Media Contact:
Rick Voegelin
(831) 761-2201
rick@nopoc.org
Neighbors Organized to Protect Our Community (NOPOC), an all-volunteer grassroots organization, hosted the well-attended meetings. NOPOC members outlined the project and described the group's ongoing efforts to protect the environment and rural residential neighborhoods from the harmful effects of this proposed industrial-scale project.
"We are gratified and energized by the support of the community," said Dr. Thomas Barker, a founding member of NOPOC. "As more citizens learn about the potential impact of this project, the movement to find alternative solutions that will achieve the goal of reliable power without endangering the environment is gaining momentum.
"Residents understand that this is the time to speak out and express their concerns about PG&E's plan," Barker continued. "We have raised more than $22,000 to hire legal and technical experts to counter PG&E's claims and assertions. We encourage our friends and neighbors to continue to contribute their time, energy, skill, and money to this cause."
The Draft Environmental Impact Report on the project was originally scheduled to be released this summer by the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC). NOPOC recently learned that the Draft EIR has been delayed until late September; no explanation for the delay was given. Citizens will have 45 days to respond with comments after the Draft EIR is released.
John Geesman, a former member and executive director of the California Energy Commission, stressed the importance of community input when he spoke at the Aptos meeting. "Use the comments process to draw out as many issues as possible where PG&E has to provide the underlying data, drive up the cost of reasonable but necessary mitigation measures, and demand a more thorough documentation of need, alternatives, etc.," Geesman said. "Disabuse PG&E and the CPUC staff that this project represents the path of least resistance."
NOPOC will continue to monitor the approval process and will alert concerned citizens when the Draft EIR is released.
About NOPOC: Neighbors Organized to Protect Our Community is a grassroots association of Santa Cruz County residents and concerned citizens who are working together to preserve and protect the natural beauty and character of the community. The association seeks to raise awareness of the impact of the proposed PG&E Santa Cruz 115 kV Project on the environment, wildlife, livestock, agriculture, businesses, and homes in the affected area.
For More Information
NOPOC on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/neighborsOrganized
Phone: 831-613-1639
Email: info@nopoc.org
Address: P.O. Box 2425, Aptos, CA 95001
Media Contact:
Rick Voegelin
(831) 761-2201
rick@nopoc.org
