Cal. Clean Energy Committee v. City of Pasadena CA2/7

INTRODUCTION

California Clean Energy Commission appeals from the denial of its petition for writ of mandate. Clean Energy argued the City of Pasadena’s adoption of an environmental impact report and approval of the Glenarm Power Plant Repowering Project violated the California Environmental Quality Act. Clean Energy also appeals from the trial court’s order granting in part and denying in part its motion to tax costs. In light of the failure of the City to adequately address the water issues arising from the project, we reverse.

FACTUAL AND PROCEDURAL SUMMARY

The Glenarm Power Plant Repowering Project

The City of Pasadena’s power plant consists of two generating facilities bisected by Metro Gold line tracks: the Glenarm Plant, where four natural gas fueled turbines are located, and the Broadway Plant, which is the site of one active natural gas-fueled steam turbine.1 With its Glenarm Power Plant Repowering Project (the Project), the City sought to decommission the one remaining 50-year-old steam generating unit at the Broadway Plant (B-3) and replace it with a combined-cycle natural gas-fueled turbine at the Glenarm Plant (GT-5).2 B-3 and GT-5 are similar in size and have the…