Power plants’ future in question

A state Assembly member believes it is time to retire one or more power plants that take up precious coastal property.

This month, Jeff Gorell authored Assembly Bill 248, which would look into new technology that could replace plants built in the 1970s. Gorell issued a statement that said, “Over the next few years, there may be a once-in-a-generation opportunity for the people of California to acquire and preserve precious property along the coast in Oxnard.”

One plant is on Ormond Beach next to wetlands, the other is on Mandalay Beach between a small Edison “peaker” plant and McGrath State Beach campground.

The Republican representing the 44th District would like to see state and federal agencies come up with a plan to retire or decommission one of them.

A spokesperson for NRG, the new owner of the plants, says they are looking forward to working with lawmakers.

Most residents like the idea; they say the plants are an eyesore.