Draft EIR for city purchase of PG&E electric assets opens comment period; draft finds noise impacts would be significant

The Planning Department on April 17 presented a draft environmental impact report (EIR) for the city’s proposed acquisition of Pacific Gas and Electric Co. (PG&E) transmission and distribution assets that serve San Francisco and opened a public comment period that runs through 5 p.m. on May 19, 2025.

Commission staffer Julie Moore, the department’s environmental coordinator on the project, said the purchase itself would not necessarily create physical impacts but that separation of the city’s distribution from PG&E’s system would require construction — including new transformers, switchgear and duct banks — primarily near the San Francisco–San Mateo County border and in southeastern San Francisco. Project components analyzed at a project level include reconfiguration or separation at the Martin Substation in Brisbane, distribution express feeder construction, and possible construction of an operations control center and a city service yard.

Key findings and issues - Significant and unavoidable impacts: The draft EIR concludes that construction and operational noise impacts would remain significant and unavoidable even after mitigation measures. That conclusion applies across the project and certain alternatives. - Mitigable impacts: Construction‑period impacts to air quality, vibration, biological and cultural resources and paleontological resources were identified as significant but potentially mitigable to less‑than‑significant levels with specific mitigation measures. - Alternatives: The draft EIR evaluated four alternatives including the required no‑project alternative, a metered‑transmission option at Martin Substation, a reduced‑transmission acquisition and a Brisbane bailing substation alternative. The metered‑transmission option at Martin Substation was identified as the environmentally superior alternative in the draft.

Public comment and next steps: The department said staff are seeking comments on adequacy and completeness of the draft EIR; comments will be compiled and responded to in the responses‑to‑comments document before certification of the final EIR. Written comments will be accepted by email and mail through May 19, 2025. The Planning Commission will consider certification of the final EIR in spring or summer 2026.

Public testimony at the hearing included technology and energy professionals who urged rapid action and local ownership, and residents who asked about cost, rate impacts and timing. Commissioners thanked staff for the document and said they expect technical input from experts during the public comment period.

Speakers quoted are from the official hearing record. The draft EIR remains a public document and no certification or approval action was taken on April 17.