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Joint Statement by Austin Beutner, General Manager, LADWP and Mark Gold, President, Heal the Bay, Regarding Discussions to Address the Impacts of the State Water Board’s Once-Through Cooling Policy on LADWP’s Coastal Power Plants

Joint Statement by Austin Beutner, General Manager, LADWP and Mark Gold, President, Heal the Bay, Regarding Discussions to Address the Impacts of the State Water Board’s Once-Through Cooling Policy on LADWP’s Coastal Power Plants
Statement by Austin Beutner, General Manager, Los Angeles Department of Water and Power:
“I am very encouraged by the productive discussions that have taken place this week,” said Austin Beutner, LADWP General Manager.  “A tremendous amount of progress was made after a series of discussions with senior staff of the State Water Board and the LADWP team this week.  As a result, at this time we will focus our efforts to resolve this matter with the Water Board rather than through the legislature.  The joint efforts are leading toward a balanced solution — a solution which minimizes costs and achieves the objectives of the new OTC policy.  LADWP will be making investments in the near term to improve our power system reliability, transition away from coal and increase the mix of renewable energy.  It is critical that our plans to reduce impacts to the ocean from once-through-cooling systems be cost effective.  We appreciate the hard work of the State Water Board staff and look forward to swiftly and successfully resolving this matter.”

Statement by Mark Gold, President, Heal the Bay:
“Heal the Bay is extremely encouraged that the LADWP has undertaken promising negotiations with the state Water Board” said organization President, Mark Gold.  “We are pleased to have been working closely with LADWP and the State to come up with a cost effective compliance plan that will protect marine life and comply with state policy.”

Background:
California has been reviewing and developing a statewide policy pursuant to the Federal Clean Water Act to reduce the impacts of the once through cooling technology used by some power plants.  The LADWP has been working with many stakeholders involved to carefully craft a balanced statewide policy.  This is a complex issue that must address environmental objectives and costs for customers, while also ensuring power reliability.  The LADWP just released its new draft long-term energy resource plan for public review and comment.  In the near and long term LADWP will be making investments to ensure a reliable power supply, reduce its reliance on coal and to pursue environmental objectives, including reducing impacts from the use of OTC.  It is important that the statewide OTC policy allow LADWP to continue effectively pursuing these goals.

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