The California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) has released an Alternate Proposed Decision by President Michael R. Peevey that approves San Diego Gas and Electric Co.'s (SDG&E) construction of the 150-mile Sunrise Powerlink Transmission Project in order to meet renewable power goals.

President Peevey's Alternate Proposed Decision approves the Final Environmentally Superior Southern Route for the line in order to deliver renewable generation that would otherwise remain unavailable. "It is well recognized that the lack of transmission is the single biggest barrier to meeting renewable power goals and thus lowering greenhouse gas emissions," said President Peevey. "My Alternate Proposed Decision clears the way for a new renewable energy superhighway, allowing us to tap into the Imperial Valley's rich renewable resources without delay or unnecessary barriers."

President Peevey's Alternate Proposed Decision follows Governor Schwarzenegger's Executive Order, signed yesterday, committing to increase the state's renewable energy goal to 33 percent by 2020 and clear the red tape for renewable projects. "Investors are lining up to pour hundreds of millions of dollars into developing the Imperial Valley's renewable potential, bringing high-paying new jobs to the region and clean energy to all Californians," said President Peevey. "But before they can break ground they need to know that they will be able to move the energy to market."

President Peevey's Alternate Proposed Decision finds that the line will generate net benefits of over $125 million per year and is the best way to meet the Governor's goals of achieving greenhouse gas reductions through renewable procurement at 33 percent levels in the shortest time possible. "It is important to look at this issue from a statewide, long-term perspective," said President Peevey. "I believe my Alternate Proposed Decision will facilitate CPUC policy to achieve greenhouse gas reductions in the shortest time possible with the greatest economic benefits."

President Peevey's Alternate Proposed Decision will be considered by the CPUC's five Commissioners along with two other proposals: an Administrative Law Judge Proposed Decision that denies the Sunrise application and an Alternate Proposed Decision sponsored by Commissioner Dian M. Grueneich that approves, with conditions, the Southern Route for Sunrise.