State OKs Power Plant That San Jose Rejected
State energy regulators approved a 600-megawatt power plant in San Jose that was once unanimously rejected by the City Council.
The 5-0 vote by the California Energy Commission lets Calpine Corp. and Bechtel Enterprises Inc. build the Metcalf Energy Center in the Coyote Valley.
The San Jose City Council opposed the plant last year on grounds it would be too close to homes. But that stand became unpopular as the energy crisis worsened. So city officials reached a compromise.
The builders have promised to donate $6.5 million to community programs and to take extra steps to keep pollution levels down.
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