Second New Power Plant Proposed For Hayward

Feb. 15 - KGO (KGO) -- Not one, but two, energy companies want to build power plants in Hayward. The first on Enterprise Boulevard is already approved and set to be built. A second plant is proposed for Clawiter Road. Some Hayward residents say one is enough.

After a long and emotionally-charged planning commission meeting Thursday night, planning commissioners failed to make a decision on whether or not to build a second gas-powered power plant in the city of Hayward. Three voted for it, three voted against it, and one abstained. That means the motion failed. It now goes to the city council with no recommendation from the planning commission.

Texas Company Tierra Energy wants to build a 115-megawatt plant on the west side of the city. The plant would only be used during peak hours. It would have 14 smokestacks, each about 70-feet tall.

But critics say that the Calpine Corporation is already planning to build a much larger around-the-clock power plant just down the road, and residents say enough is enough.

Shirley Huston, Hawyard resident: "The air quality, property values -- because we may be selling in the next year or two. And this is just something that, you know, will affect from your health to so many different things."

Linda Ramsey, Hayward resident: "Not only, you know, aesthetically, but pollution-wise and everything. It's just... It's a no-no. Too many [power plants] for Hayward."

David Marks, Tierra Energy president: It'll be good for the economy, for growth, for new companies coming in here. And it's very much needed "

The final decision on whether or not the plant will be built ultimately falls on the state's energy commission. Commissioners say they plan on making their final decision later this year, probably in November.

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