PG&E and the CPUC
The editorial in the Feb. 21 Record-Bee correctly identifies the California CPUC’s lack of enforcement of tree and brush clearance requirements around high tension power lines. But not only has the CPUC failed to enforce existing requirements, it has refused to address the need for updated requirements regarding tree and brush distances from power lines.
California has some of the weakest requirements nationwide for tree and brush clearance around power lines. The maximum clearance required by the CPUC is 10 feet from a high voltage power line. In most cases, clearances of only four feet are required. Contrast this with Federal Energy Regulatory Commission guidelines of a minimum 14 feet, with 18 – 20 feet preferred. A number of eastern states require 20 – 50 feet clearance on each side of power lines when those lines run through regions with high risk of fire. In some parts of Oregon and Washington, the ground under and to the sides of power lines is both cleared and bulldozed in areas with a high danger of fire.
A quick glance at the high voltage power lines running through the hills above Clearlake Oaks shows that California’s minimal requirements are not being enforced. Trees are growing up through the towers and the area below the lines is choked with highly flammable brush. There does not appear to have been any clearance activity for years, and possibly for decades.
So where indeed is the CPUC in all of this? CPUC commissioners are appointed by the Governor and are approved by the Senate. CPUC commissioners are not required to have any energy-related experience. There is no evidence that any of the current commissioners have any background in or understanding of electrical grid safety requirements. The current CPUC president, Michael Picker, was a political consultant to the California Democratic Party prior to his appointment. Commissioner Martha Guzman Aceves is billed as an “environmental activist” with an emphasis on “environmental and social justice”. Commissioner Clifford Rechteschaffen emphasizes his interest in climate change issues. Commissioner Liane Randolph has a background in law with no discernable utility experience or background. Commissioner Carla Peterman’s career has focused almost entirely on renewable energy and certain rate issues. Her most recent efforts were devoted to imposing a tax on text messages in California.
Given that the CPUC appears to have both little interest in or the ability to either establish or enforce transmission line safety standards, what can we do? We can’t vote these commissioners out of office. The only possible recourse appears to be through the California State Legislature. While it’s highly unlikely that any of the current CPUC commissioners will be removed, our local representatives can bring pressure on both the Governor and the CPUC to both enforce existing law and to bring on staff with backgrounds in utility safety. While I’m sure that letters from local individuals will be politely dismissed, pressure from the Lake County Board of Supervisors and local fire districts would be a good start. Given that PG&E has claimed that they are unable to meet even the most basic safety requirements without an expenditure of $75 – $150 billion of ratepayer money, it’s imperative that local governments bring pressure, directly and indirectly on the CPUC immediately
—Dennis Krentz
Let the chips fall
In reference to Thomas Elias’s opinion dated February 23, “Will the California Republican party become a dinosaur?” His feeble attempt to epitomize voters & patriots alike with guilt for retaining traditional conservative values is overstated & without merit.
In 2010, the Democratic Party skillfully persuaded state voters to adopt our open primary election system. The fate of any opposition party was sealed & prevalence of one party rule a certainty. Mr. Elias, however, summarizes that “the state GOP is hurting because it’s out of step with the majority of California’s votes on ballot propositions”. Aahhh, rubbish!
The problem for Republicans is the long existing Democratic Party ties to union labor in the fields of education and communication. For decades, our young people’s exposure to left leaning rhetoric is paramount. In addition, students are typically uninformed or misinformed by their public school teachers, college professors, celebrity entertainers and activist media.
This long standing dominance of the Democratic Party has allowed our elected officials to buy votes and ignore the enforcement of immigration laws they swore to uphold under oath. Till the California voters realize the effects of the anarchy created by such lawless behavior, the California Republican Party must remain loyal to their core values and try to inform the public about issues of concern. The party needs to recognize what they are up against and communicate the truth when and wherever possible.
—Ron Talbott, Witter Springs
Mr. Elias’s attempt to persuade the Republican Party to follow the Democrat’s over the cliff, will not stand. Standing for sustained American values is far more important than pandering to the electorate.
Ron Talbott
Witter Springs
