The James Logan Courier

By Amanpreet Tatlah, Courier Staff Writer

Many Hayward residents say they are angry at the effect of a new energy plant's construction on their environment, despite the pending approval of a state commission.

On May 22, 2001, Calpine Corporation and Bechtel Enterprises Holdings, Inc., filed an Application for Certification from the California Energy Commission. The companies sought approval from the commission to construct a 600-megawatt natural gas-fired, combined cycle electric generating facility.

The plant is expected to be located at southwest corner of the intersection of Enterprise Avenue and Whitesell Street, south of Hayward’s water pollution control facility.

The plant is also about two minutes of away from Chabot College.

Many Hayward residents say that they are aware of the undergoing plans, but there are others who are as of yet still unaware.

In addition, a majority of those aware of the plans are against the plans, citing health and water quality.

“I think it’s a really bad idea," said Logan senior Alex Nazarita. "The company is from Texas so why don’t they built the plant over there? Why do they have to risk our lives here?”

A lot of people say that the plant will be a health risk, possibility polluting the air with toxic gases that can cause risks such as cancer.

Senior Fazal Asifi said, “If they build this plant here, then they’re really not using their brains because we’re already overdue for an earthquake. Whatever happened in Japan will happen here and they’re only setting us for a big disaster.”

Chabot College students and the Hayward community are trying to do all they can to stop the plant from getting built in their backyards.

Chabot students have also protested in order for the plant to stop getting built.