News.bytes Extra, issue 541

BLM California State Director Jim Kenna at Sunrise Powerlink dedication

California Governor Jerry Brown (from left), BLM California State Director Jim Kenna and Ron Roberts, Chairman of the San Diego County Board of Supervisors, take part in a symbolic "flipping-of-the-switch" to mark completion of the Sunrise Powerlink.

The Sunrise Powerlink crosses nearly 50 miles of public lands managed by the Bureau of Land Management, compared to 19 miles of U.S. Forest Service land, 2 miles of Department of Defense land, and 0.4 miles of state land. Clearly, BLM’s public lands are a vital component of this power line, and a big part of the nation’s plans to diversify its energy portfolio and move toward energy independence.

Speaking at the dedication ceremony Thursday, July 26, 2012, BLM California State Director, Jim Kenna said: “Generation and transmission projects must happen together if we are to unlock the potential of one of the richest renewable energy regions here in the California desert. And it is important that -- especially on public lands --  these projects are approached thoughtfully, so that we can maintain reliability of the system while balancing cost and impacts to our environment.”

BLM California State Director Jim Kenna addresses the crowd gathered for the dedication, at the Suncrest Substation, east of Alpine, California.

Attendees speak near a large helicopter used in construction of the power line.

- Photos by Steve Razo, BLM California Desert District Public Affairs (July 2012)

BLM-California News.bytes, issue 541 -- To subscribe to News.bytes, send an e-mail to: mailto:Join-Newsbytes@List.ca.blm.gov OR visit our News.bytes subscription page.