Calpine Clears Crucial Hurdle

Despite preliminary reports citing serious concerns with theproposed Calpine Corp. power plant in San Jose's Coyote Valley, theCalifornia Energy Commission, http://www.energy.ca.gov, recommended theproject's approval in its final report. Opposition leaders felt analystswere under pressure by state officials to help ease the power crisis inCalifornia and assert that San Jose should not have to takeresponsibility for the energy shortage. The CEC report will serve as theenvironmental analysis used by the City of San Jose, which must considera general plan amendment and zoning change for the project.Local chapters of the American Lung Association and the Sierra Clubendorsed the construction of the plant, stating that its use of naturalgas and modern and efficient design will cause less overall airpollution by reducing the reliance on older and dirtier plants.