Procedural Background
On September 4, 2001, SDG&E served a petition to modify D.83-10-004, subsequently docketed as an application. SDG&E seeks to modify the terms of the certificate of public convenience and necessity to construct the Imperial Valley-La Rosita transmission line approved by this Commission in D.83-10-004. In addition, SDG&E seeks approval to move the location of six support structures along the Imperial Valley-La Rosita transmission line to accommodate two proposed merchant transmission line projects. SDG&E requested expedited review of its application. Included with its application was a copy of the draft environmental assessment performed by the United States Department of Energy (DOE), in cooperation with the United Stated Department of the Interior (DOI) and the Bureau of Land Management (BLM).1 DOE has not yet finalized its environmental assessment nor has DOE issued findings regarding the impacts of the project.
The assigned Administrative Law Judge (Administrative Law Judge) issued a ruling on September 12, 2001, shortening the protest period for the application. No protests were filed, but two parties filed Responses to the Application, Save Southwest Riverside County (SSRC) and Coral Power, L.L.C. (Coral).2 SDG&E filed a reply to the responses.
1 DOE, BLM, and DOI conducted an environmental review of the two merchant transmission projects. Relocation of the six SDG&E support structures was specifically included within the scope of environmental review. 2 ALJ Resolution 176-3071 preliminarily determined that the application was expected to go to hearing. Because no formal protests were filed, hearings are unnecessary.
