WELC is "an extremely talented multi-dimensional strategist...I am glad we are on the same side!"
Brian Shields, Executive Director of Amigos Bravos
Featured Case Study
On October 5, 2007, the Department of Energy (“DOE”) designated two national interest electric transmission corridors (“NIETCs”), areas where consumers are adversely affected by electric capacity congestion. The Southwest NIETC, encompasses seven counties in southern California and three counties in southwestern Arizona, an area covering almost 70,000 square miles, despite DOE’s own study showing that only a small part of the area covered by the Southwest NIETC is affected by congestion that impacts consumers. DOE’s designation seems to pave the way for large transmission lines, which may stretch through vast areas of protected lands. Despite the impacts of the designation, DOE failed to do an analysis as required by the National Environmental Policy Act, which would require assessment of alternatives such as solar power plants and other alternative energy sources. Furthermore, DOE has not consulted with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service concerning the impacts species listed under the Endangered Species Act, despite the fact that part of the area is the center of an internationally-recognized biodiversity hotspot (South Coast Floristic Region). WELC is challenging DOE’s failure to comply with these critical environmental laws.
