The promise of power for Palmdale—jobs, efficiency
But everyone’s not happy about risks, possible health consequences
PALMDALE, Calif.—The California Energy Commission approved Palmdale’s Application for Certification of a power plant in mid August, and the next step in the process was for the city to obtain the Prevention of Significant Deterioration permit from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), which was expected to be issued in October.
In the meantime, the city was working on securing financing for the project.
The new plant, a combined natural gas-fired cycle and solar thermal generator, that would be owned and operated by the city, could mean 600 new jobs during construction and 40-50 permanent jobs when the plant opened, said Palmdale City Manager Steve Williams. Reportedly, it would infuse about $5 million annually into the local economy through the purchase of parts, goods, services, retail, etc.
But not everyone was happy about the plant. Despite official assurances that it would be environmentally safe and not a significant source of cancer-causing emissions, one pastor was very concerned about the impact of the project.
Maggie Campbell, a local pastor and then-mayoral candidate, was very much opposed to the construction of the plant. Her website states that the power plant poses too many risks for the community, including health dangers.
“This power plant will release 1,400 tons of pollution annually into East Lancaster where there are families, churches and schools. If one person can be stricken with cancer, then the power plant cannot be built,” she says.
Campbell also claimed that the current Palmdale administration deceived residents and voters through half-truths and propaganda and that it would cost consumers a significant amount of money, more than the current systems in place and that Palmdale’s alleged claims to “hook up to Plant 42” are false.
PALMDALE, Calif.—With the green light on the controversial hybrid power plant, the city of Palmdale can now move forward with plans to build.
The California Energy Commission approved the city’s Application for Certification on Aug. 10, enacting the decision on Monday, Aug. 15. The next step is obtaining the Prevention of Significant Deterioration permit from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), which is expected to be issued in October. In the meantime, the city is working on securing financing for the project.
Voters made a lackluster showing at the polls in Palmdale Tuesday just as they did around the rest of the region.
Incumbent Mayor James C. Ledford Jr. has two other candidates nipping at his heels in the Palmdale mayoral election on Tuesday. They are Maggie Campbell and Desmond Kester.
Campbell holds a bachelor’s degree from San Francisco State University and an honorary doctorate of divinity degree. She is the pastor of the Church of the Living God in Palmdale.
PALMDALE, Calif.—It’s election time again in the city of Palmdale and this time, incumbent Mayor Jim Ledford has competition. Running against him are two A.V. locals, both of whom have tried their hand at politics in the past.
PALMDALE, Calif.—It’s that time again for the city of Palmdale to cast votes. There are three major positions available, including the mayor’s office and two council seats, those of Councilmembers Steve Hofbauer and Mike Dispenza. The term for mayor is two years and the terms for councilmember are four years.
The official filing period for the Nov. 8, 2011, general election for the Palmdale council seats opened on Monday, July 18, and will close on Friday, Aug. 12, at 5 p.m.
