This is an archival story that predates current editorial management.
This archival content was written, edited, and published prior to LAist's acquisition by its current owner, Southern California Public Radio ("SCPR"). Content, such as language choice and subject matter, in archival articles therefore may not align with SCPR's current editorial standards. To learn more about those standards and why we make this distinction, please click here.
View California Coal Plants in a larger map
The carbon surcharge debate has subsided, but one of the overarching issues still remains and unsolved. At last night's screening of "Power Paths" by the Sierra Club's Beyond Coal campaign, one audience member expressed frustration with the LADWP's lack of transparency. "I for one need help about my very own DWP," she said. "I don't have a clue what I'm paying for."
44% of Los Angeles' power comes from dirty coal-fired plants in neighboring states and the Sierra Club has made a useful map explaining where they are and who they power. Of note is the large--large as in 7 miles by 10 miles--Navajo Generating Station, which is partially owned (21%) by the LADWP, according to the Club.
The documentary "Power Paths" shows how residents of the Navajo and Hopi reservations suffer because of the plants. Not only is there the pollution, but many live without power in their own homes, despite living next to a plant that produces energy.
Groups were successful in decommissioning the Arizona-located Mojave Generating Station, but that had its own effects--a major loss of jobs on reservations. But as things go, leaders in L.A. and on reservations want clean energy and local jobs for their respective constituents . The question, when will we get there?
