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| Habitat Services |
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TRANSMISSION LINE UPDATE |
SMUD Pulls Out - Comments Still Needed (Sacramento, CA – July 2, 2009) A powerline project proposed by the Transmission Agency of Northern California (TANC) that threatened waterfowl and wetland habitat in the Central Valley has met with strong resistance from hunters, other conservationists, and many diverse opponents. Yesterday the project discovered another obstacle when the Sacramento Municipal Utility District (SMUD) pulled out of the project. SMUD was a main contributor, and was expected to pay for 35% of the project cost. TANC has suspended their efforts on the project while they decide whether to pursue it without SMUD involvement. The project's stated goal is to increase the region's power-grid capacity and move power generated by future clean energy projects in the remote northeast corner of the state to high-density urban areas in the valley. Despite the project’s claim of renewable energy transmission, most environmental groups opposed it because of the routes chosen by TANC staff and their consultants. “Duck hunters and other conservationists are in favor of alternative power and wise use of renewable resources, but refuse to sacrifice wetland habitat to illuminate our homes”, said Greg Yarris, California Waterfowl Director of Conservation Policy. “The TANC project showed complete disregard for local efforts to restore wetland habitat, and we know there are more responsible alternatives”. The TANC project is not dead, and it is critical that individuals submit comments in opposition of the chosen transmission line routes. Public comments are due to the Western Area Power Administration by July 30, 2009. Please Write!The routes would impact many of the Valley’s most important waterfowl habitats and hunting areas. Here’s a partial list of critical areas directly or indirectly affected: District 10, Sutter National Wildlife Refuge, Butte Sink, Yolo Wildlife Area, Upper Butte Basin, Stone Lakes National Wildlife Refuge, Cosumnes River Preserve, Gray Lodge Wildlife Area, the Llano Seco Unit of the Sacramento National Wildlife Refuge, and dozens of private wetlands and easements. Below is the notice with basic information, including who you should write to to oppose this project's current course. Download the detailed fliers created by Ducks Unlimited and California Waterfowl to inform our members and the public of this important issue by clicking on either the high or low resolution links below.
For more details and maps |
