By Morro Bay Citizens Opposed to Measure A-24
To protect Morro Bay’s future, vote NO on Measure A-24.
We live in a beautiful place. That’s why residents and visitors alike love Morro Bay. But we also face many challenges, including environmental and financial.
We oppose Measure A-24 because it will prevent us from addressing those challenges. Voting “No” helps us protect Morro Bay’s future.
Currently, the Morro Bay Power Plant is a toxic industrial site, with crumbling stacks, contaminated soil, and asbestos that would cost at least $30 million to safely remove.
It’s not realistic to imagine that zoning alone will bring restaurants and hotels to a toxic site if A-24 passes. Developers simply cannot afford the clean-up costs, or to roll the dice on a public referendum.
Furthermore, there are deed restrictions on the property that prohibit human-related activities.
A “Yes” vote leaves the site as-is — forever an eyesore and risk to the community. Voting No on A-24 better positions us to clean up the site in ways that truly benefit the community.
Many of us have serious concerns about the battery plant, but even those behind A-24 now acknowledge that A-24 will NOT stop this project. State Law AB 205 (2022) is designed to bypass local opposition to renewable energy projects like Vistra’s proposed battery storage plant.
If Vistra chooses to go to the State, it is likely to get the permit to build the plant. The California Energy Commission (CEC) and the Coastal Commissioners, who will also weigh in on the issue, are political appointees. They are committed to the State-adopted goal (2018 Senate Bill 100) to be 100% renewable energy by 2045 (60% by 2030).
They will say “yes” to the battery plant, overruling local control and minimizing negotiations for local benefits.
We must protect Morro Bay’s local control. Voting No on A-24 will ensure that Morro Bay — not the State — controls our destiny. If a battery plant is going to be built, our City Council is the group to fight for its safety, secure important community benefits, and ensure that Vistra removes the existing power plant and stacks.
For instance, our Morro Bay Fire Department is hard at work assessing the risks and generating appropriate fire safety considerations. Voting No on A-24 gives the City the best opportunity to address our community’s concerns about a battery plant and to secure additional benefits for Morro Bay.
Freezing zoning is bad public policy. This poorly written ballot measure would discourage the kinds of smart local economic development that could attract tourists, boost our local economy, and preserve our local environment and its beauty.
Measure A-24 sends a strong message to developers that Morro Bay is not business-friendly. What developer would invest millions of dollars and endure the lengthy, costly, and uncertain process of a citizen initiative as required by A-24?
Freezing zoning rules cannot magically make something happen, but it can make it impossible for the City Council to act when opportunity knocks. We must keep decision-making control with our elected City Council. Voting No on A-24 protects the long-term financial stability of Morro Bay.
We all want a better future for Morro Bay and to protect its natural beauty. Only a NO vote on a-24 empowers us to achieve those goals.
Morro Bay Citizens Opposed to Measure A-24 (FPPC No.1466767) is a group of local residents formed to fight against Measure A-24 on November’s Ballot. Learn more at: mbcitizensopposedtoa-24.com.