Sander Kushen, sander.kushen@sierraclub.org
INDUSTRY, Calif. — A coalition of environmental groups today called for the immediate shutdown of Los Angeles County's Walnut Creek Energy Park after a new report revealed it likely violates federal air quality standards, endangering nearby schools and neighborhoods.
The report, "The Notorious Nine: Gas Plant Pollution in Environmental Justice Communities," identifies nine California gas-fired power plants at risk of exceeding federal limits on nitrogen oxide (NOx) emissions, with Walnut Creek emerging as the state's highest-risk facility.
“Toxic NOx pollution from this plant is compounded by the nearby railroad, countless warehouses, and the 60 freeway—causing asthma in other health harms for vulnerable locals,” said Tyler Valdes, Energy Justice Manager with the California Environmental Justice Alliance. “It’s time to shut down the Walnut Creek Energy Park, along with all methane gas plants in pollution-burdened communities. Our climate and public health can’t wait any longer.”
The findings come as the EPA moves to strengthen NOx emissions limits nationwide. Last month, the agency proposed tighter restrictions on new gas-fired power plants, citing NOx's role in causing asthma and respiratory infections.
Two elementary schools — Mesa Robles and Grazide — lie within the zone most impacted by Walnut Creek's emissions. The surrounding community, which is 80% Hispanic, already faces some of California's highest pollution levels.
“Three elementary schools sit in the shadow of this power plant. Our children, our most vulnerable, are growing up breathing its pollution,” said Dr. Alfred L. Glover, local public health advocate referring to the Walnut Creek Energy Park. “The NOx emissions from polluting methane gas power plants can trigger asthma attacks, send people to emergency rooms and can worsen heart disease. Enough is enough.”
The analysis found that while most gas plants have pollution controls, emissions spike dramatically during startup and shutdown periods. At some facilities, NOx emissions jumped more than 130 times above normal operating levels during these phases.
“There are common-sense solutions to this public health emergency that we just aren’t using,” said Julia Dowell, Senior Organizer with Sierra Club’s Electric Sector Campaign. “Big picture: We must transition to energy sources that don't send our children to the emergency room. We must end pollution from dirty fossil fuels and transition to a clean, renewable energy future.”
The report issued the following policy recommendations to address NOx pollution:
- Shutting down the most polluting plants in disadvantaged communities
- Requiring emissions reporting from all gas plants regardless of size
- Expanding monitoring of startup/shutdown emissions
- Accelerating California's transition to clean energy
Regenerate California is a coalition led by the California Environmental Justice Alliance and the Sierra Club, in partnership with the Central Coast Alliance United for a Sustainable Economy, Communities for a Better Environment, and the Center for Community Action and Environmental Justice. Regenerate California’s mission is to transition California away from gas-fired power plants and toward a just, clean energy economy powered by 100% renewable energy resources.
About the Sierra Club
The Sierra Club is America’s largest and most influential grassroots environmental organization, with millions of members and supporters. In addition to protecting every person's right to get outdoors and access the healing power of nature, the Sierra Club works to promote clean energy, safeguard the health of our communities, protect wildlife, and preserve our remaining wild places through grassroots activism, public education, lobbying, and legal action. For more information, visit www.sierraclub.org.