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Board of Supervisors votes to delay decision on proposed combustion turbine projects for one week
Summary
The San Francisco Board of Supervisors voted to continue consideration of the city's proposed combustion turbine (CT) projects for one week to allow the mayor's office more time to explore alternatives. The continuance passed unanimously on the motion as presented.
The San Francisco Board of Supervisors on May 13 voted to continue consideration of ordinance and contract items related to proposed combustion turbine projects, including agreements for development at San Francisco International Airport and sites at 20 Fifth and Maryland Streets, for one week.
Supporters of the continuance said the mayor's office asked for time to pursue alternative options. Supervisor Maxwell moved for a one-week continuance; Supervisor Alioto Pier seconded the motion. Mr. Berry, a representative from the mayor's office, told the board the mayor "has indicated he'd like to be sure, he's exploring all options," and that the office would use the week to "continue that investigation." Maxwell told colleagues, "I'd like a one week continuance on this item, please." The motion to continue passed with 11 ayes.
Why it matters: the items on the calendar would authorize agreements and financing tied to new combustion turbine capacity and related leases, environmental findings and certificates of participation. Supervisors who opposed moving immediately to a final vote said they wanted to ensure alternatives had been fully explored; others said the board should not delay indefinitely. Supervisor Mercarini told colleagues the issue requires diligence and alternatives that prevent returning to "ground zero."
What happened in the meeting: board members debated whether the week would produce substantive new technical information or merely political repositioning from the mayor's office. Supervisor Maxwell said he did not expect "any significant new information in the next week," but supported the short delay to allow the executive branch to present any new options. Supervisor Daley made the original motion to continue; Alioto Pier seconded it.
Next steps: the items were continued for one week, and the board will revisit the ordinance and associated agreements at a subsequent meeting. The mayor's office indicated it planned to use the continuance to continue exploring alternatives; the board may proceed to an up-or-down vote or refer the matter to the San Francisco Public Utilities Commission depending on developments.
Votes and formal action: the board adopted a continuance motion on the combustion turbine-related items; the motion carried with 11 ayes.
