Senator Bob Huff (R - Diamond Bar) today expressed his displeasure with the Draft Environmental Impact Report (DEIR) released by the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) which lists Southern California Edison's proposed route as the preferred route for the Tehachapi Renewable Trans mission Project.
"Over 1,000 adjacent property owners are within 500 feet and closer of the towers being proposed by Edison," Senator Bob Huff remarked. "These towers are projected to climb to 198 feet and have a wing span for transmission lines of 60 feet. The hazards posed by such high and long conductors put the citizens of Chino Hills at great risk."
"There is not one example in the entire nation where a double circuit 500kV line has been built in a densely residential community with only a 150 foot right-of-way like the one proposed by SCE," continued Senator Huff.
The TRTP would include new and upgraded electric transmission lines and substations between eastern Kern County and the city of Ontario in San Bernardino County. The project is needed to interconnect renewable wind power generated in the Tehachapi area to the existing electric transmission system to meet the increasing demand of electricity in Southern California.
The Chino Hills segment of the route, however, has been a matter of contention since the City of Chino Hills and the community became aware of the project.
"For some time, I have partnered with the City of Chino Hills in advocating for a reasonable compromise and considerably safer alternative," said Senator Bob Huff. "I support bringing wind power to the region, but to do so safely, the transmission lines must be kept a safe distance from residential communities and schools."
"Contrary to the DEIR's selection of Edison's route as the preferred route, it is clear that the City of Chino Hills has worked diligently with all interested parties on developing several alternate routes that do not risk the health and safety of Chino Hills residents," Senator Huff continued. "The CPUC needs to consider these other viable options, already included in the DEIR, that do not risk the health and safety of the public."
The Draft Environment Impact Report for the project was released Friday and more information on the TRTP can be found at:
http://www.chinohills.org/index.asp?nid=737.
