Air Quality
Air quality in the local community is actually improved because, with the new competitive electric industry, less efficient, more polluting power plants upwind of the area will operate at lower levels, less often, and due to use of more efficient, cleaner plants like the Metcalf Energy Center.

The Santa Clara - San Benito Counties Chapter of the American Lung Association examined the Metcalf Energy Center for months before concluding that by helping to clean the air, it will help reduce respiratory illness.

Executive Director Margaret W. Leather Sidener says, "Conservation should always be the first approach in dealing with energy supplies. When supplies are inadequate, we must support the cleanest form of generation. Reliance on older power plants and diesel back-up generators, which are far more polluting, is not the solution. The development of modern natural gas-fueled power plants will help improve our air quality."

The following information details the support from the Santa Clara - San Benito Chapter of the American Lung Association:
Position Letter in Support of the Metcalf Energy Center
American Lung Association Chapter Backs the Metcalf Energy Center

No New Transmission Towers
By building the power plant at this location it helps protect the foothills from being despoiled by the addition of new transmission towers. The Metcalf Energy Center requires no new transmission towers or lines, resulting in a small environmental footprint. The Loma Prieta Chapter of the Sierra Club passed a resolution of support for the Metcalf Energy Center.

The Metcalf Energy Center Ecological Preserve
On April 19, 2002, Calpine donated 131 acres of prime Coyote Valley wildlife habitat to the Land Trust of Santa Clara County. This land has been valued at $3 million. Along with this donation, Calpine has provided a $1.3 million land management endowment.
Metcalf Energy Center Ecological Preserve map

Economics
As the region and the economy have grown, the need for an increased, abundant electrical supply has become a top priority in ensuring job security in the region. A source of electricity close to the substation will protect local residents and businesses and minimize power outages caused by transmission line failures from outside the area.