FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
- What is the City of Carlsbad’s position on NRG West’s proposal to build a second power plant along Carlsbad’s coast?
- What is the approval process for the new plant?
- Does this mean the City of Carlsbad has no say in the decision?
- Why is the City of Carlsbad trying to get people involved in this issue?
- Will building a new power plant mean the old one will get torn down sooner?
- Does the new plant need to be by the coast?
- Where else could the new plant be built?
- What would happen to the desalination project if the new plant is not built on the coastal property?
- What would go on that property if there is no power plant?
- What are the environmental and public health impacts of the new plant?
- What are the next steps?
- How can I get involved?
What is the City of Carlsbad’s position on NRG West’s proposal to build a second power plant along Carlsbad’s coast?
After more than six months of discussions with NRG West and listening to community input, the City of Carlsbad has decided to oppose the proposed Carlsbad Energy Center Project. The city believes the proposed coastal location is a short-sighted approach to land use that jeopardizes Carlsbad’s quality of life. Putting a new power plant on prime coastal land severely limits future opportunities to redevelop this land in a way that enhances beach and lagoon access and provides open space for residents to enjoy.
What is the approval process for the new plant?
The California Energy Commission is responsible for approving the proposed NRG West project.
Does this mean the City of Carlsbad has no say in the decision?
The City is providing input into the process; however, the decision rests with the California Energy Commission.
Why is the City of Carlsbad trying to get people involved in this issue?
This decision will affect Carlsbad’s future for the next 50-plus years. Putting a power plant on nearly 100 acres of prime coastal land severely limits future opportunities to redevelop this land in a way that maximizes the social, economic and environmental benefits to the residents of Carlsbad. The City of Carlsbad feels a decision of this magnitude should have the full participation of those who live, work and play in Carlsbad.
Will building a new power plant mean the old one will get torn down sooner?
NRG West has not committed to tearing down the old power plant building by a specific date, with or without the new power plant.
Does the new plant need to be by the coast?
No. Unlike the old plant, which is cooled by sea water, the proposed new plant is air cooled and does not need to be by the coast.
Where else could the new plant be built?
Recognizing the need for local power, the city has committed to work with NRG West to identify alternative sites within Carlsbad where power generation facilities could be built, allowing the coastal site to be redeveloped in a way that better meets the needs of the community. Carlsbad has a strong track record of hosting regional infrastructure, such as the regional wastewater treatment plant, a regional airport and a regional trash transfer station, in addition to the existing power plant.
What would happen to the desalination project if the new plant is not built on the coastal property?
The desalination plant does not depend on a power plant operating at that site.
What would go on that property if there is no power plant?
The land is nearly 100 acres, which is about the same size as the San Diego Zoo. This means tremendous opportunities exist to combine public and private uses for this land that reflect the needs and values of all those who live, work and play in Carlsbad. A “specific plan,” which establishes guidelines for how the land can be used, has already been developed for this area. The specific plan update would look at redeveloping the land in a way that maximizes the social, economic and environmental benefits to Carlsbad residents.
What are the environmental and public health impacts of the new plant?
Typical impacts from a project like this include visual impacts (affecting views), air pollution and noise. These and other impacts will be evaluated and disclosed by the California Energy Commission.
What are the next steps?
The California Energy Commission will hold a number of hearings on NRG West’s application. Typically, these hearings are held in Sacramento, but the City of Carlsbad is strongly urging the California Energy Commission to hold these hearings in Carlsbad so local community members can participate. The City of Carlsbad is also encouraging the California Energy Commission to hold these hearings at times when members of the public are most likely to attend, such as evenings and weekends.
How can I get involved?
Contact the California Energy Commission at 1-800-822-6228 or via e-mail at pao@energy.state.ca.us.
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NRG West Power Plant Proposal
The City of Carlsbad wants to alert you to an important public issue that affects our city. NRG West, owners of the Encina Power Station, the power plant on Carlsbad Boulevard just north of Cannon Road, has submitted an application with the California Energy Commission to build a second power plant on its coastal Carlsbad property, adjacent to the Agua Hedionda Lagoon. Since decisions made about this important coastal property will affect Carlsbad for the next 50-plus years, the City of Carlsbad wants to ensure its citizens have ample opportunities to provide input to the California Energy Commission and NRG West.
Recently, balloons were put up to show the proposed power plant’s location and effect on views. The planned widening of I-5 will eliminate the berm and trees shown in this photo.
City of Carlsbad’s Role
The California Energy Commission is responsible for approving the new power plant. The City of Carlsbad’s role is to ensure its citizens are informed about the proposed plant and how to make their views known through the California Energy Commission public input process. In addition, the City of Carlsbad is working with the California Energy Commission, NRG West and other parties to ensure the needs and values of its residents are given full consideration in the approval process.
The total size of the property owned by NRG West is nearly 100 acres, about the same size as the San Diego Zoo and large enough to fit Del Mar’s Powerhouse Park 31 times.
The City of Carlsbad encourages you to get involved in this issue and make your views known to the California Energy Commission. Putting a second power plant on this coastal site is a decision that will affect our community for generations to come.
More information is available on the California Energy Commission Web site at www.energy.ca.gov/sitingcases/carlsbad.
To be added to a mailing list to receive updates on the proposed power plant, please send the City of Carlsbad an e-mail by clicking here.