The California Energy Commission on Oct. 8 denied a permit that would have allowed a Texas energy company to build two energy plants less than two miles from Hayward Executive Airport.
AOPA, the local aviation community, residents, and environmentalists had opposed the Eastshore Energy Center.
“We’re pleased the energy commission weighed the potential negative impacts this center would have had on the community and the safety of pilots operating at the airport,” said Heidi Williams, AOPA senior director of airports.
AOPA first objected to the proposed power plants in July 2007 and continued its case in December that year and most recently in June.
AOPA told the commission that smoke and vapor plumes from the proposed power plant could pose a hazard to aircraft using Hayward Executive.
“Power plants near airports pose an obvious hazard,” Williams said. “The commission recognized that and took a stand for aviation safety.”
Related Articles
