11. EMF

The Commission has examined EMF impacts in several previous proceedings.¹⁶  We found the scientific evidence presented in those proceedings was uncertain as to the possible health effects of EMFs, and we did not find it appropriate to adopt any related numerical standards. Because there is no agreement among scientists that exposure to EMF creates any potential health risk, and because CEQA does not define or adopt any standards to address the potential health risk impacts of possible exposure to EMFs, the Commission does not consider magnetic fields in the context of CEQA and determination of environmental impacts.

However, recognizing that public concern remains, we do require, pursuant to GO 131-D, Section X.A, that all requests for a certificate of public convenience and necessity (CPCN) include a description of the measures taken or proposed by the utility to reduce the potential for exposure to EMFs generated by the proposed project. We developed an interim policy that requires utilities, among other things, to identify the no-cost measures undertaken, and the low-cost measures implemented, to reduce the potential EMF impacts. The benchmark established for low-cost measures is 4% of the total budgeted project cost that results in an EMF reduction of at least 15% (as measured at the edge of the utility right-of-way).

The proposed project, including Alternative 2, is designed to include the following no-cost and low-cost magnetic field reduction measures:

1. Use a double-circuit pole-head configuration for the proposed 220 kV lines;

2. Use poles which are 10 feet taller where homes are immediately adjacent to the edges of the right of way; and

3. Implement phasing arrangements to reduce magnetic field levels at the edges of rights of way.

This design plan is consistent with the Commission's EMF Design Guidelines and policies, and also with recommendations made by the U.S. National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences and applicable national and state safety standards for new electric facilities.

¹⁶ D.06-01-042 and D.93-11-013.