Vote NO on Proposition 45

Prop 45 is a sweeping attack on California’s environmental protections. It could fast-track sprawl into fire-prone areas, wetlands, wildlife habitat, and other sensitive lands, along with polluting projects such as roads, warehouses, and data centers. It would weaken the California Environmental Quality Act by limiting public input, consideration of less harmful alternatives, and court remedies when projects are approved unlawfully. These safeguards help communities protect public health, clean air and water, and wildlife.

Santa Clara Valley Bird Alliance has joined more than 400 organizations opposing the measure, including Sierra Club California, the California Native Plant Society, the Center for Biological Diversity, the National Wildlife Federation, other Bird Alliance chapters, the County of Santa Clara, the League of Women Voters of California, and the American Lung Association.

Don’t fast-track pollution and sprawl.

Vote NO on Prop 45.

Data center proposed along Hwy 237 and Zanker Road

San Jose is developing Uniform Guidelines for Data Centers

San José is developing standards for data centers and other large energy projects. The draft addresses recycled water and renewable energy, but relies on existing air pollution rules and offers little protection from noise and light pollution. Those gaps matter: NBC Bay Area reports that South San José residents already describe a constant hum and bright lights from nearby data centers. Nighttime light and continuous noise can also disturb birds and other wildlife. San José needs clear, enforceable limits that protect neighborhoods and habitat.

SCVBA is working with San José community groups and residents to strengthen the standards. At the same time, we are asking the City to stop accepting and processing data center applications, including those already in the pipeline, until strong standards are adopted. Contact advocate@scvbirdalliance.org to get involved.

October 8: Google’s 250 MW Alviso data center - who will pay?

Google is seeking approval of a PG&E agreement to supply 250 megawatts of electricity to its proposed data center, next to Alviso Elementary School and across Disk Drive from the Burrowing Owl preserve. Google would pay substantial grid costs upfront, but could receive refunds over 15 years. How much of the cost could ultimately fall on other electricity customers?

Governor Newsom has just signed a law intended to protect ratepayers from data center grid costs, but the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) has not finished updating its rules. The CPUC is expected to consider Google’s agreement on October 8. Please urge commissioners not to approve it unless they can show that other ratepayers are fully protected. Alviso schoolchildren, Burrowing Owls, and the rest of us should not bear the impacts and costs of Google’s AI needs.

If you are available and willing to speak at the October 8 CPUC meeting, please contact advocate@scvbirdalliance.org

Speak up for roadless lands by October 6

The U.S. Forest Service proposes to repeal the Roadless Rule, which protects designated roadless areas on Forest Service lands from most new road construction and logging. New roads can fragment wildlife habitat, damage watersheds, and bring more sources of wildfire ignition into remote areas. Please submit a comment by October 6 urging the Forest Service to keep the rule.

SB 954 vetoed

We are deeply disappointed that Governor Newsom has vetoed SB 954, legislation that would have closed a major loophole created by last year’s SB 131.

SB 131 created a sweeping California Environmental Quality Act exemption for qualifying “advanced manufacturing” projects. SB 954 was passed by the Legislature to narrow that exemption and restore environmental review for projects that can have significant impacts on wildlife, habitat, air and water quality, and nearby communities.

SCVBA joined environmental and community organizations across California in supporting SB 954 because projects with potentially significant environmental impacts should not receive a blanket exemption from environmental review simply because they fall within a broadly defined industry category.

The Governor’s veto means the SB 131 exemption remains in place. This makes local land-use decisions even more important, particularly where advanced manufacturing facilities are proposed near sensitive habitat, open space, waterways, or communities already burdened by pollution.

Thank you to everyone who contacted legislators and the Governor in support of SB 954. The bill passed the Legislature because of a strong statewide coalition, and we will continue working with our partners to protect meaningful environmental review and public participation.

The Author of SB 954, Sen. Catherine S. Blakespear of Encinitas, has expressed her disappointment. We expect her to try again next year.

Sept. 30: Lehigh community meeting

Join Supervisor Margaret Abe-Koga for an update on demolition, Permanente Creek restoration, the upcoming environmental review, and the future of the Lehigh-Heidelberg Cement Plant and Quarry on Wednesday, Sept. 30, from 6 to 7:30 p.m. on Zoom.

Cupertino: Vote YES on Measure L

Measure L would protect Cupertino’s parks, open space, wildlife habitat, recreational areas, and safe bike and school routes by requiring voter approval before these protected lands can be converted to other uses.