LADWP Has Chosen the Desert Hot Springs to Hesperia
Morongo Basin Route
David Nahai claims they have not chosen any route. What?
For over 2 years we have all been hearing that it is too early to concern ourselves with LADWP's Green Path North Project. General Manager David Nahai has consistently stated no route has been decided upon, and that it is still very early in the planning process. Unfortunately the facts prove otherwise. The Desert Hot Springs to Hesperia Route (Morongo Basin Route) has always been the chosen and preferred route for this unnecessary high voltage long distance transmission line.
In December 2006, the Los Angeles Department of Water and Power filed an application with the Bureau of Land Management for a 330 ft. wide Right-Of-Way (ROW) to build an 85 mile electrical transmission line. This is the first step in the process of using public lands for such a project. The application defines the need for consecutive sections of land located from Desert Hot Springs through the Big Morongo Canyon Preserve, north to Johnson Valley, then west to Hesperia. THIS IS THE CHOSEN GREEN PATH NORTH ROUTE, and the only ROW application filed by LADWP for this project.
In December 2006, the Los Angeles Department of Water and Power filed an application with the Bureau of Land Management for a 330 ft. wide Right-Of-Way (ROW) to build an 85 mile electrical transmission line. This is the first step in the process of using public lands for such a project. The application defines the need for consecutive sections of land located from Desert Hot Springs through the Big Morongo Canyon Preserve, north to Johnson Valley, then west to Hesperia. THIS IS THE CHOSEN GREEN PATH NORTH ROUTE, and the only ROW application filed by LADWP for this project.
In October 2007, AREP discovered this map on the California Public Utilities Commission website. It clearly shows Green Path North as the Morongo Basin route. No route has been decided?
LADWP BLM Right-of-Way Application
December 2006
California Public Utilities Commission Map
LADWP 2008/09 Fiscal Year Budget Reports
Report 1, pages 25 to 28 show LADWP's share of Green Path North's cost at $550 million (page 25), the total cost of the line as $718.6 million (page 27), and the infamous Morongo Basin route clearly marked on their transmission line map (page 28).
Report 2, pages 16 and 17 show the same map as the report above (page 16), as well as a detailed project description defining Green path North as the Desert Hot Springs to Hesperia - Morongo Basin route (page 17).
LADWP has been quietly working on Green Path North since the Energy Policy Act of 2005 was passed. It called for the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) to help site energy projects on public lands. LADWP does not need a new transmission line, they want one. They want ownership of a line that can compete with other utilities owning lines in the Morongo Basin area. This is not about renewable energy. This is about profits, and LADWP has no intention of deviating from its historical reputation of deceipt and disregard for rural California.
Mojave Desert sunset ruined by long distance power lines already serving L.A.
Alliance for Responsible Energy Policy P.O. Box 396 Joshua Tree, CA 92252
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