Was the Metcalf Energy Center be put through an environmental review?

Yes. The Metcalf Energy Center application went through two separate rigorous year-long technical and environmental review processes that will be conducted by the California Energy Commission (CEC) and the City of San Jose. What normally takes 12 months, took 2½ years in this case, due to initial local opposition.

As part of the review process, Calpine submitted detailed environmental reports to the California Energy Commission (CEC) for the Metcalf Energy Center on April 30, 1999. These reports included the benefits and impacts that the facility will have on every aspect of the environment, including air and water quality, noise and traffic. The reports also include plans to mitigate any adverse impacts. Copies of the full reports are available at local libraries.

Throughout the ongoing CEC permitting process, the community participated in the environmental review process at public hearings and environmental workshops.

When was a decision made?

The project received a license from the California Energy Commission on September 24, 2001.