Proposed Pipeline Route Approved

Re: “Oil Pipeline Route Through L.A. Approved,” April 11:

Southern California Edison is disappointed that the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) has determined that environmental requirements for the proposed 132-mile Pacific Pipeline project were adequately addressed. We share the concerns of elected officials and impacted residents who believe the environmental report for the Pacific Pipeline did not adequately consider alternatives.

Edison supports the Cajon pipeline alternative as by far the safer, most viable oil pipeline route, offering more environmental benefits and fewer adverse effects than the Pacific Pipeline. The shorter, proposed 85-mile underground Cajon pipeline would connect to an existing Edison pipeline, providing a safe means to transport oil to local refineries. Because the Edison segment is already in place and operating, less construction is required.

Moreover, construction of the Cajon extension is less disruptive, because it would traverse sparsely populated communities in the far inland areas of the Southland. The construction of the longer Pacific alternative, however, would cut through high-density, low-income and minority communities in Los Angeles and the San Fernando Valley.

The Cajon alternative also provides the same improvements in air quality benefits as the Pacific Pipeline by reducing the number of trucks, trains and tankers that currently carry oil over surface routes. Clearly, the Cajon alternative was not fully examined by the CPUC.

The Cajon alternative is the superior one to transport crude oil to Los Angeles-area refineries. Doesn’t it make much more sense to construct a shorter pipeline and connect it with a pipeline that is already in place, operated safely and has the capacity to meet refinery needs?

JOHN DAYTON

Vice President

Edison Pipeline and Terminal Co.

Rosemead

* Re “Don’t Cry Wolf on Environmental Racism,” Commentary, April 10: I want to commend Eugene Grigsby for his comments concerning “environmental justice.”

Members of Laborers’ Local 802 both live along the Pacific Pipeline route and will be employed during the construction of the project. While a large percentage of our members are Latino, we have members of every racial and ethnic background. Our membership sees the Pacific Pipeline as a win-win situation. The trucks, trains and ocean tankers will be removed and as a result our communities will be safer and cleaner.

Additionally, large numbers of workers will be able to earn a good living that allows them to support their families and make a contribution to society. When we speak of “justice,” what could be more just than that?

ANGEL SAMBRANO SR.

Secretary-Treasurer

Business Manager

Laborers’ Local 802

Wilmington