| We recently got word of a proposal to construct solar panels adjacent to some of the Los Cerritos Wetlands’ most biologically sensitive areas. These panels would very likely have an impact on the fragile and threatened species that rely on Los Cerritos Wetlands to survive. The proposed project would include three separate solar arrays, consisting of a total of 56 solar tables, containing 3,100 solar panels. While we all agree that alternative energy is critical to solving the planet’s climate crisis, you can’t build anywhere you want. The totality of the impacts must be considered before deciding where to place such infrastructure. In this case, the harm might well outweigh the benefits. The placement of these solar panels (with all their disruptive noise, lights, glint, and glare) adjacent to sensitive, soon-to-be-restored wetlands seems ill-advised. Things are moving fast. The City of Seal Beach Environmental Quality Commission held a hearing on the issue, and the project was approved unanimously. However, at the time, there was limited information about the project available for review and feedback. As a result, we sent a letter to the City of Seal Beach, requesting a comprehensive review of the project in the form of an Environmental Impact Report (EIR). The main purpose of an EIR is to assess the environmental impacts of proposed development and offer alternatives. That seems particularly important in this case. We have just learned that a hearing about the Hellman Solar Array Project will be held by the Seal Beach Planning Commission on Monday, September 29th, at 7:00 p.m. I need you to do two things….. 1) Write to the Seal Beach Planning Commission and tell them to slow down, that the proposed solar project needs a thorough review because of its placement next to a sensitive ecological area. Please send Shaun Temple, the Seal Beach Planning staff person, a brief note informing him that this proposed project requires a comprehensive environmental review before it advances through the Seal Beach planning process. Click here to write your message (and then please send me a copy!). It shouldn’t take you more than a minute. If you are a resident of Seal Beach, please be sure to include that information in your message. If you aren’t a resident of Seal Beach, please still take a moment to send an email. The wetlands, after all, are important to the entire region, not just to those who live in Seal Beach. 2) Attend Monday’s Planning Commission hearing and consider saying a few words. You don’t need to be an expert, just speak from your heart about the fact that the vast majority of Southern California has been lost forever to development and infrastructure. It is essential that we not only protect, but also improve, the remaining wetlands. Requiring a full Environmental Impact Report, so that we know the damage that might result from this project, is the least that the Planning Commission can do, don’t you think? The Planning Commission meeting will be at 7:00 PM on Monday at: Seal Beach City Hall 211 Eighth Street Seal Beach, CA 90740 I will be there and hope you will join me this Monday. Elizabeth Lambe Executive Director Los Cerritos Wetlands Land Trust |