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Public speakers urge board to reconsider draft cannabis EIR, cite emissions, health and water risks
Summary
Multiple residents urged the San Diego County Board of Supervisors to reconsider a draft environmental impact report that would allow up to 25 new cannabis businesses in unincorporated areas, citing greenhouse gas emissions, health risks for seniors, and possible groundwater and air-quality impacts identified in the consultant's analysis.
Public speakers at the San Diego County Board of Supervisors' land use session urged the board to reconsider a draft Environmental Impact Report that would allow up to 25 new cannabis businesses in unincorporated county areas, citing energy use, greenhouse gas emissions and public-health risks.
The draft EIR for the county's cannabis program was cited repeatedly by callers and in-person speakers as the basis for close review. Madison, a caller identified only by first name, told the board, "It is essential that we fully consider the environmental impact, specifically in terms of greenhouse gas emissions, before considering allowing such a rapid expansion." She said indoor cultivation is energy intensive and cited a figure that cannabis cultivation in California "is estimated to use up to 2% of the state's total electricity." (Madison spoke during the non-agenda public comment period.)
Why it matters: the EIR process determines whether the county must adopt mitigation measures,…
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