Will Gates
Presented: 9/15/2011
Solar Plans on Altamont Pass
The purpose of my news report was to educate the class about plans to build a 1400-2000 solar plant, on Altamont Pass, located on Alameda county's eastern border, and the environmentalist opposition to these plans.
Questions for discussion:
It is said that the plant could power more than 2,000 homes and could begin pumping power into the grid by next year. Do you think the economical benefits of this plant outweigh the potential environmental risks?
What if you knew that this was a very unique location with abundant sunshine, flat terrain, and access to a nearby Pacific Gas and Electric Co. substation make it optimal for use by a solar plant and more efficient than most other locations in the area. Would that change your answer?
Additional Information:
The area near the Alameda-San Joaquin County line provides habitat for federally protected species including the threatened California red-legged frog, the California tiger salamander and the endangered San Joaquin kit fox, and according to the Ohlone Audubon Society, solar panels blanketing the ground could affect the hunting behavior of hawks, eagles, owls and kestrels, driving them toward Altamont Pass’ lethal wind turbines.
Many environmentalists are against the use of arable lands for solar panels without first exhausting opportunities in urban areas. Dick Schneider says “It’s premature to go outside of the developed footprint to develop solar rays. “ and "The county should increase its efforts to encourage solar energy development on already developed lands."
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