Latest news with #EnvironmentalImpactReport
Yahoo
21-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Monterey Superior Court Affirms California Coastal Commission's Approval of California American Water's Monterey Desalination Project
PACIFIC GROVE, Calif., May 21, 2025--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Last week, the Monterey County Superior Court issued its final decision denying attempts by the City of Marina (City), Monterey Peninsula Water Management District (MPWMD) and Marina Coast Water District (MCWD) to overturn the California Coastal Commission's approval of Coastal Development Permits for California American Water's Monterey desalination project. The court's decision affirms that the Coastal Commission acted appropriately and within its authority when it approved those permits in 2022. "When this project obtained Coastal Development Permit approvals in 2022, it was the result of the California Coastal Commission's extensive, thorough evaluation, environmental review and public comment process, in addition to the more than six years of work on the project's Environmental Impact Report," said Kevin Tilden, President of California American Water. "The Coastal Commission judiciously conducted its review and correctly concluded that our project meets all requirements at this stage. This superior court decision confirms that this is the right project in the right location." The recognition of the urgency of Monterey's need for new water supply resources was heightened this week when the California Public Utilities Commission found in a proposed decision that the Peninsula could face water shortages by 2050 without implementation of the Monterey Peninsula Water Supply Project. "Courts have consistently found that the proposed project meets all conditions and that the Coastal Commission and other regulating authorities have acted appropriately in assessing the project and issuing the relevant permits," said Tilden. "But these failed lawsuits are still consequential. The Monterey Peninsula needs new sources of reliable, drought-resilient water supply and frivolous lawsuits cost residents money and precious time while doing nothing to further the Peninsula's water security." On the Monterey Peninsula, the challenge of addressing drought is heightened by State Water Resource Control Board orders that require California American Water to significantly reduce pumping from the Carmel River and prohibit the company from providing new water connections until alternate water sources are identified. To address Monterey's need for a robust, drought-proof water supply, California American Water is pursuing the Monterey Peninsula Water Supply Project. The desalination project is at the core of this solution, easing the region's severe water supply shortage, meeting the state's water supply goals and developing a new drought-proof water supply. Desalination will also help diversify the water resources available to Monterey. Next steps in the Monterey Peninsula Water Supply Project include the expansion of water recycling by public agency partners and improvements to aquifer storage and recovery. By diversifying Monterey's water supply, California American Water is preparing for whatever the future holds. Once operational, the desalination project will bring the reliable, drought-proof water source needed to lift the Water Board's cease-and-desist order, support community demand and allow for sustainable future growth – including the development of affordable housing to meet the region's needs. Moreover, California American Water will bring additional benefits to the community including an expansion of customer affordability programs and a $3 million community benefit for the City of Marina residents. About American Water American Water (NYSE: AWK) is the largest regulated water and wastewater utility company in the United States. With a history dating back to 1886, We Keep Life Flowing® by providing safe, clean, reliable and affordable drinking water and wastewater services to more than 14 million people with regulated operations in 14 states and on 18 military installations. American Water's 6,700 talented professionals leverage their significant expertise and the company's national size and scale to achieve excellent outcomes for the benefit of customers, employees, investors and other stakeholders. For more information, visit and join American Water on LinkedIn, Facebook, X and Instagram. About California American Water California American Water, a subsidiary of American Water (NYSE: AWK), provides high-quality and reliable water and wastewater services to approximately 700,000 people. View source version on Contacts Media Contact Josh StrattonManager, External AffairsPhone: 831-435-6015Email: Sign in to access your portfolio
Yahoo
21-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Monterey Superior Court Affirms California Coastal Commission's Approval of California American Water's Monterey Desalination Project
PACIFIC GROVE, Calif., May 21, 2025--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Last week, the Monterey County Superior Court issued its final decision denying attempts by the City of Marina (City), Monterey Peninsula Water Management District (MPWMD) and Marina Coast Water District (MCWD) to overturn the California Coastal Commission's approval of Coastal Development Permits for California American Water's Monterey desalination project. The court's decision affirms that the Coastal Commission acted appropriately and within its authority when it approved those permits in 2022. "When this project obtained Coastal Development Permit approvals in 2022, it was the result of the California Coastal Commission's extensive, thorough evaluation, environmental review and public comment process, in addition to the more than six years of work on the project's Environmental Impact Report," said Kevin Tilden, President of California American Water. "The Coastal Commission judiciously conducted its review and correctly concluded that our project meets all requirements at this stage. This superior court decision confirms that this is the right project in the right location." The recognition of the urgency of Monterey's need for new water supply resources was heightened this week when the California Public Utilities Commission found in a proposed decision that the Peninsula could face water shortages by 2050 without implementation of the Monterey Peninsula Water Supply Project. "Courts have consistently found that the proposed project meets all conditions and that the Coastal Commission and other regulating authorities have acted appropriately in assessing the project and issuing the relevant permits," said Tilden. "But these failed lawsuits are still consequential. The Monterey Peninsula needs new sources of reliable, drought-resilient water supply and frivolous lawsuits cost residents money and precious time while doing nothing to further the Peninsula's water security." On the Monterey Peninsula, the challenge of addressing drought is heightened by State Water Resource Control Board orders that require California American Water to significantly reduce pumping from the Carmel River and prohibit the company from providing new water connections until alternate water sources are identified. To address Monterey's need for a robust, drought-proof water supply, California American Water is pursuing the Monterey Peninsula Water Supply Project. The desalination project is at the core of this solution, easing the region's severe water supply shortage, meeting the state's water supply goals and developing a new drought-proof water supply. Desalination will also help diversify the water resources available to Monterey. Next steps in the Monterey Peninsula Water Supply Project include the expansion of water recycling by public agency partners and improvements to aquifer storage and recovery. By diversifying Monterey's water supply, California American Water is preparing for whatever the future holds. Once operational, the desalination project will bring the reliable, drought-proof water source needed to lift the Water Board's cease-and-desist order, support community demand and allow for sustainable future growth – including the development of affordable housing to meet the region's needs. Moreover, California American Water will bring additional benefits to the community including an expansion of customer affordability programs and a $3 million community benefit for the City of Marina residents. About American Water American Water (NYSE: AWK) is the largest regulated water and wastewater utility company in the United States. With a history dating back to 1886, We Keep Life Flowing® by providing safe, clean, reliable and affordable drinking water and wastewater services to more than 14 million people with regulated operations in 14 states and on 18 military installations. American Water's 6,700 talented professionals leverage their significant expertise and the company's national size and scale to achieve excellent outcomes for the benefit of customers, employees, investors and other stakeholders. For more information, visit and join American Water on LinkedIn, Facebook, X and Instagram. About California American Water California American Water, a subsidiary of American Water (NYSE: AWK), provides high-quality and reliable water and wastewater services to approximately 700,000 people. View source version on Contacts Media Contact Josh StrattonManager, External AffairsPhone: 831-435-6015Email: Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
Business Wire
21-05-2025
- Business
- Business Wire
Monterey Superior Court Affirms California Coastal Commission's Approval of California American Water's Monterey Desalination Project
PACIFIC GROVE, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Last week, the Monterey County Superior Court issued its final decision denying attempts by the City of Marina (City), Monterey Peninsula Water Management District (MPWMD) and Marina Coast Water District (MCWD) to overturn the California Coastal Commission's approval of Coastal Development Permits for California American Water's Monterey desalination project. The court's decision affirms that the Coastal Commission acted appropriately and within its authority when it approved those permits in 2022. 'When this project obtained Coastal Development Permit approvals in 2022, it was the result of the California Coastal Commission's extensive, thorough evaluation, environmental review and public comment process, in addition to the more than six years of work on the project's Environmental Impact Report,' said Kevin Tilden, President of California American Water. 'The Coastal Commission judiciously conducted its review and correctly concluded that our project meets all requirements at this stage. This superior court decision confirms that this is the right project in the right location.' The recognition of the urgency of Monterey's need for new water supply resources was heightened this week when the California Public Utilities Commission found in a proposed decision that the Peninsula could face water shortages by 2050 without implementation of the Monterey Peninsula Water Supply Project. 'Courts have consistently found that the proposed project meets all conditions and that the Coastal Commission and other regulating authorities have acted appropriately in assessing the project and issuing the relevant permits,' said Tilden. 'But these failed lawsuits are still consequential. The Monterey Peninsula needs new sources of reliable, drought-resilient water supply and frivolous lawsuits cost residents money and precious time while doing nothing to further the Peninsula's water security.' On the Monterey Peninsula, the challenge of addressing drought is heightened by State Water Resource Control Board orders that require California American Water to significantly reduce pumping from the Carmel River and prohibit the company from providing new water connections until alternate water sources are identified. To address Monterey's need for a robust, drought-proof water supply, California American Water is pursuing the Monterey Peninsula Water Supply Project. The desalination project is at the core of this solution, easing the region's severe water supply shortage, meeting the state's water supply goals and developing a new drought-proof water supply. Desalination will also help diversify the water resources available to Monterey. Next steps in the Monterey Peninsula Water Supply Project include the expansion of water recycling by public agency partners and improvements to aquifer storage and recovery. By diversifying Monterey's water supply, California American Water is preparing for whatever the future holds. Once operational, the desalination project will bring the reliable, drought-proof water source needed to lift the Water Board's cease-and-desist order, support community demand and allow for sustainable future growth – including the development of affordable housing to meet the region's needs. Moreover, California American Water will bring additional benefits to the community including an expansion of customer affordability programs and a $3 million community benefit for the City of Marina residents. About American Water American Water (NYSE: AWK) is the largest regulated water and wastewater utility company in the United States. With a history dating back to 1886, We Keep Life Flowing® by providing safe, clean, reliable and affordable drinking water and wastewater services to more than 14 million people with regulated operations in 14 states and on 18 military installations. American Water's 6,700 talented professionals leverage their significant expertise and the company's national size and scale to achieve excellent outcomes for the benefit of customers, employees, investors and other stakeholders. For more information, visit and join American Water on LinkedIn, Facebook, X and Instagram. About California American Water California American Water, a subsidiary of American Water (NYSE: AWK), provides high-quality and reliable water and wastewater services to approximately 700,000 people.
Yahoo
25-04-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Will the 'Abundance' Agenda Make California Great Again?
Up until the 1970s, California was a state known for its commitment to boundless opportunities, with the Edmund G. "Pat" Brown governorship reflective of the can-do spirit that drew people here from across the world. Given the degree to which modern California is noted for its ineffectiveness, wastefulness, and regulatory sclerosis, it's difficult to imagine a California that took its Golden State moniker seriously. Brown "envisioned a future in which economic growth would be driven by a network of state-of-the-art freeways to move people, reservoirs, and canals to capture and transport water and intellectual capital from low-cost institutions of higher education. He sold that vision to the public and, in doing so, as the late historian Kevin Starr wrote, putting California on "the cutting edge of the American experiment," per a Hoover Institution retrospective. The state grew dramatically as a result. The Brown administration built most of the State Water Project in less time than it would take to complete an Environmental Impact Report these days. California officials still have big dreams, of course, but they are more of the social-engineering variety than the civil-engineering type. Brown built freeways that people actually use, whereas today's big project is a pointless high-speed rail line that's way over budget and unlikely to serve any serious need. It took 24 years to build a new east span of the Bay Bridge—and it came in at 2,500% over budget. California can't even house its population now, thanks largely to environmental rules, no-growth restrictions, urban-growth boundaries, and other government regulations. Yet California lawmakers show no appetite to reform the biggest impediment, the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA), except on a piecemeal basis. Many liberals are frustrated, and conservatives now are the ones most likely to tout the Pat Brown era. But a funny thing is happening as progressives struggle for a response to a revanchist MAGA movement that shows its own nativist hostility to economic growth and opportunity. Many of the Left's more thoughtful voices are essentially re-embracing the types of pro-growth policies that were once a mainstay among Democrats such as Pat Brown. Ironically, it was Brown's son, Jerry, who during his first term as governor (he actually was a good governor in his more recent iteration), pitched the "era of limits" nonsense that mucked up the works. Like all burgeoning political movements, this Pat-Brown-style liberalism has a name: the Abundance Movement. We've seen some signs of its emergence. For instance, the YIMBY (Yes In My Back Yard) movement has scored myriad legislative victories as it promotes the construction of new housing within the urban footprint. The new book, Abundance, by Ezra Klein and Derek Thompson has sparked the idea's widespread acceptance mostly among frustrated liberals. It's music to my not-so-liberal ears, as the subhead on my 2020 In his New York Times column, Klein nails the importance of a politics based on abundance—and on the failure of Democratic-run states to live up to any of their grandiose promises: "This is the policy failure haunting blue states. It has become too hard to build and too expensive to live in the places where Democrats govern. It is too hard to build homes. It is too hard to build clean energy. It is too hard to build mass transit. The problem isn't technical: We know how to build apartment complexes and solar panel arrays and train lines. The problem is the rules and the laws and political cultures that govern construction in many blue states." Per Politico, Gov. Gavin Newsom interviewed Klein in his latest podcast. But Newsom plays it too clever by half. "You pick on, understandably, San Francisco. But you can look at almost any city, including a Republican-held city like Huntington Beach, and these same rules and restrictions apply there, and the same frustrations," Newsom said. Well, sure, I've ridiculed Huntington Beach's conservative majority for enacting anti-growth policies—but they fester mainly in liberal cities and states. One cannot build anything here without navigating a maze of regulatory provisions that delay progress, spark litigation or trigger bureaucratic reviews. As Klein added, "In 2023, California saw a net loss of 268,000 residents; in Illinois, the net loss was 93,000; in New York, 179,000. Why are they leaving? In surveys, the dominant reason is simply this: The cost of living is too high." Democrats would have a stronger rebuke to Trumpism if our public services were the national model rather than a laughingstock—and if our leaders learned to value the private sector and not simply build bigger government. Abundance sounds like the right ticket—but only if state officials can return to Pat-Brown-style governance rather than use the term as a talking point. This column was first published in The Orange County Register. The post Will the 'Abundance' Agenda Make California Great Again? appeared first on
Yahoo
15-04-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Is the Eversource pipeline extension project in Springfield dead?
SPRINGFIELD — Nearly two years after state Energy Secretary Rebecca L. Tepper told Eversource it needs to provide more information on a proposed gas pipeline project, that supplement has not been filed. Since then, scant news has emerged about a controversial project to construct a new 5.3-mile, 16-inch diameter gas pipeline from Longmeadow into Springfield. Though it has been quiet publicly, Eversource says it's still moving forward on the proposal. The company is working on the supplemental Draft Environmental Impact Report Tepper asked for and is planning more community outreach later this year, said Tricia Taskey Modifica, an Eversource spokesperson. The utility company has said the additional pipeline is needed for reliability. The current line is more than 70 years old and issues with it could have 'dire' impacts on customers numbering in the hundreds of thousands. Opponents have raised concerns like health impacts on Springfield — considered an environmental justice community — and not wanting to build fossil fuel infrastructure when the state is trying to dramatically reduce greenhouse gas emissions. In 2023, Tepper reviewed Eversource's draft environmental impact statement and said it didn't comply with the Massachusetts Environmental Policy Act, or MEPA. 'The (draft environmental impact report) has not fully justified the purpose and need for the project,' Tepper's 2023 report said, 'and does not explain why the risk of outage was determined to be unacceptably high at this location so as to warrant immediate action.' She decided Eversource needed to file a supplement that addresses more questions. There's no specific deadline by which the company needs to file its supplement, according to a spokesperson with the Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs. The Eversource project would need additional approvals, including from the Energy Facilities Siting Board. In December 2022, that board held a public hearing, but it's waiting on the MEPA process to move forward, according to Alanna Kelly, a Department of Public Utilities spokesperson. The Department of Public Utilities has not yet determined whether project is needed for reliability, Kelly said. Once more information is presented, it will resume looking at the project, she said. A presiding officer hasn't been named to the siting board and DPU case, according to the state website. Eversource said it will do more public outreach this year, which Tepper's 2023 report requires. 'We'll have more on the community outreach and the filing later this year, likely in the latter half of 2025,' Modifica said in a statement. 'Community outreach will take several forms, including direct customer communication, door to door visits, coordination with municipalities and community organizations, stakeholder outreach, and public meetings.' Rusty Polsgrove, associate director and environmental justice organizer at Arise For Social Justice, has been underwhelmed by Eversource's advertising of outreach sessions in the past — and hopes for stronger community engagement. Polsgrove said Arise is pursuing possible legislative options to halt the project. 'We came out pretty strong against it,' Polsgrove said of the pipeline proposal. Eversource has to submit supplementary information, but 'that is just buying time to get our lawmakers' attention,' Polsgrove said. Gary Levine, chair of the Longmeadow Pipeline Awareness Group, which opposes the project, said he calls the state regularly to ask for updates. 'It's just lying there," he said. Some think the project is no longer happening and will say to Levine, 'Didn't it go away? Didn't it get settled?' he said. 'No,' he tells them, 'it's still there.' Springfield's City Council voted against the project in a 2022 resolution. The Longmeadow Select Board has also expressed opposition. The board is not actively working on the issue and is waiting on movement in the Massachusetts Environmental Policy Act process, said Select Board Chair Vineeth Hemavathi. 'There's no informal or formal discussions with the town about this at this point,' said Richard Kanoff, an attorney who has represented Longmeadow in the matter. At this point, everyone but Eversource is waiting, he said. 'We're in a reactive state.' Springfield Partners for Community Action to Honor Legacy of Executive Director Paul Bailey Federal grant cuts will end WMass hands-on science program for third-graders With billions of dollars to be cut by feds, WMass elder care centers brace for the squeeze Amid annual crackdown on urban dirt bikes, Springfield mayor says city will push to make them illegal
