Governor Jerry Brown Upholds The Will of San Diego County Voters
Governor’s Veto Encourages Responsible Growth That Protects and Respects the Environment
Sacramento, CA – Gregory Canyon Landfill spokesperson Nancy Chase issued the following statement Monday, following Gov. Jerry Brown’s veto of SB 833, by Sen. Juan Vargas, D-San Diego.
“Governor Jerry Brown rejected politics as usual and respected the will of San Diego County voters by vetoing SB 833. This unnecessary and costly special interest legislation would have circumvented San Diego community leaders, environmental regulators and the courts by blocking a much needed infrastructure project. It would have stalled California’s fragile economic recovery and blocked hundreds of high-paying jobs the region desperately needs.
“The Gregory Canyon landfill is strongly supported by San Diego County voters, community advocates and elected officials because they know it will be one of the most environmentally protected disposal sites in the country, a state-of-the-art project that both protects and respects the environment.
“After nearly 20 years of scientific studies, detailed research and sophisticated planning, the Gregory Canyon project is on track to become the most technologically advanced facility of its kind, establishing a new era in waste management. We’re eager to move forward and provide San Diego County with the state-of-the-art facility it deserves and the waste capacity it needs to stimulate future economic growth.
“We applaud Gov. Brown for studying the facts and respecting the will of San Diego County voters, who have overwhelmingly supported the Gregory Canyon Landfill project during two separate countywide elections. His veto will promote responsible job creation and allow a project to move forward that protects California’s environment and respects culturally sensitive sites.
--Nancy Chase, Gregory Canyon Landfill spokesperson
San Diego County voters supported the Gregory Canyon landfill project twice at the polls, in 1994 and 2004. It has been upheld in court on 19 separate occasions and received permit approval from the San Diego County Department of Environmental Health and CalRecycle.
Legislation similar to SB 833 was vetoed by Governor Gray Davis in 2000. Governor Davis vetoed AB 2752, saying he was “loath to overturn a vote of the electorate and the decision of two courts of law.” Read his full message here. The Gregory Canyon Landfill is located along SR76, 3 ½ miles east of Interstate 15. The state-of-the-art project will incorporate an unprecedented double-liner system with five containment layers, which will ensure protection of groundwater and surface water. The 1,770-acre project also includes at least 1,461 acres of permanently preserved habitat, an on-site habitat creation and enhancement area of 212 acres, and about 350 acres of off-site permanently preserved habitat.
North San Diego County has not had a landfill since the closure of the San Marcos Landfill in the late 1990’s. A local site serving north San Diego County is expected to reduce traffic impacts throughout the County by up to one million vehicle miles each year. In addition to economic savings to consumers through increased competition and lower transportation costs, the project will help reduce traffic congestion and energy consumption.
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