I spent some time reading the EIR. It's got maps, photos and it explains the process that led them to this location. This spot had the minimum disruption to the ecosystem and it was far enough from 395 to be low visibility. They actually changed the location as a result of feedback from the public scoping meetings in Lone Pine in 2010.
I also want to emphasize that this project makes economic sense on its owen (pun intended). LADWP is doing this to increase their amount of green energy for state goals and for their own internal policy goals for 2030. They've already exceeded the requirements for reducing greenhouse gas to 1990 levels back in 2011, they're actually on track to be 20% lower than 1990 by 2020 and striving for 30% lower in 2030.
This is a common theme in California, it turned out that the Kyoto Protocol that was so scary to some was actually quite easy to meet and many utilities are already beyond that years ahead of schedule.
LADWP, like most every utility and every major oil company, they recognize the need to reduce their carbon output. Even Exxon Mobile is taking action (while funding science deniers on the side). Visit any oil company website or utility and you'll see they all have plans to reduce their carbon footprint. It makes good business sense and nobody is subsidizing them to do this. The subsidies out there are mostly going to individuals installing roof top solar or buying a high tech car (hybrid, hydrogen, electric) or charging stations. Just like building roads and an interstate highway system, and funding research, the government has a role in setting direction through policy and investment. Like it or not, our government is an important player in developing infrastructure that makes businesses possible.
Mark my words, you will see a lot about hydrogen fuel cell cars in 2015 in California. Every auto maker has a fully functional model in service ready for mass production. Toyota just announced they are going to start selling their hydrogen fuel cell car one year earlier than anticipated. A change on this scale requires financial incentives to get mass production ramped up. And it requires coordination of the fueling stations as the new vehicles hit the road.
