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Sunrise Powerlink still generating heat

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An environmental group has asked the California Supreme Court to review a controversial transmission project that was approved last month by the California Public Utilities Commission.

A petition filed late Wednesday by the Center for Biological Diversity alleges that the commission violated California environmental law by failing to ensure that the proposed Sunrise Powerlink would be used principally to carry renewable energy and by rejecting alternative routes that would have avoided fragile wilderness areas.

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‘Sunrise ... would sacrifice sensitive public lands and vital habitat without any guarantee the line will be used to deliver clean energy,’ said Ileene Anderson, Los Angeles spokeswoman for the environmental group.

The center also plans to ask the commission for a rehearing on the $1.9-billion project, which it contends is too costly and unnecessary, Anderson said.

Wednesday’s petition, which was expected, is just the latest skirmish in a lengthy dispute over Sunrise. Proposed by San Diego Gas & Electric, the ratepayer-financed transmission line is to run 123 miles from Imperial County to San Diego, crossing remote areas of the San Diego backcountry and the Cleveland National Forest.

SDG&E says the line is necessary for it to meet state mandates to boost its use of renewable power by ensuring there is enough transmission to transport energy from remote wind, solar and geothermal projects to urban areas where it’s needed.

Opponents say it’s a costly boondoggle that will destroy unique desert habitat while allowing SDG&E to transport fossil-fuel-based electricity through the lines. They contend that funds would be better spent developing urban solar projects that use existing transmission infrastructure.

Commission spokeswoman Terrie Prosper said she couldn’t comment on a pending appeal of a commission decision. California’s high court can take as long as it wants to make a decision on whether to hear the petition.

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— Marla Dickerson

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