The long fight by Bayview Hunters Point residents, Greenaction for Health and Environmental Justice, and allies to close the "dirty, outdated, and unnecessary" PG&E Hunters Point power plant is over, as state and PG&E officials have confirmed that the plant has stopped generating electricity. Residents have also confirmed that the stacks that emitted unacceptable levels of pollution for decades are now quiet and are not in operation.

Julie Gill of the California Independent Systems Operator, the state agency in charge of the power grid, and Robert Harris, PG&E Vice President for Environmental Affairs, have both confirmed to Greenaction that the plant is no longer generating electricity. The plant will officially close when the “Reliability Must Run” contract is terminated by the Cal ISO on May 15th. As one of California’s dirtiest and oldest power plants, it had polluted the community for over 77 years. The closure is seen as a victory by people who have conducted years of protests, including direct actions at the plant. Marie Harrison, a community organizer with Greenaction, says that new struggles must be waged to encourage industry and government organizations to support cleaner, renewable energy.

On Friday, May 12, the Huntersview Mothers Committee and Greenaction celebrated the shutdown of the PG&E plant. Photos

see also: Black Out: The City Sponsored Gentrification of Bayview Hunters Point

Indybay's Past Coverage of the struggle to close the power plant | Greenaction