The project had received state approval earlier this year, whenCalifornia was scrambling to save itself from an impending energycrisis. However, city officials have fought the project for morethan eight months, fearing its potential health hazards andenvironmental risks.

After weeks of negotiations, the city did manage to win someconcessions, including an agreement by AES to install monitoringequipment within 30 days of bringing the two generating unitsonline, as well as approval from the South Coast Air QualityManagement District to give the city $50,000 to monitor pollutionat the plant. In addition, a high-emission peaker unit will only befired up if there is a real threat of a blackout. This third unitwill be permanently closed in October 2002 if it is not upgraded tomeet air quality requirements.

Many local residents are angry about the agreement, since theyfeel the generators could cause environmental and health problemsin the community.