WHEREAS, Between 1989 and 1999 electricity demand in California has increased by 14 percent, however, electricity supply has only increased by 3.7 percent; and

WHEREAS, California is facing a shortage of native power generation, and construction of an average powerplant takes 12 months while construction of a gas-fired plant takes an average of 16 to 24 months; and

WHEREAS, The leadership of both houses of the California Legislature support the construction of the Metcalf Energy Center, and Calpine Corporation has committed to operating this facility with the highest regard for the health and safety of the public; and

WHEREAS, The population of the bay area exceeds 6.8 million residents, and the San Jose regional area (Silicon Valley) has a growing demand for electricity and is considered the most vulnerable to electricity outages in the service area of the Pacific Gas and Electric Corporation; and

WHEREAS, The Silicon Valley is driving the economy of the state, the nation, and the world; however, it is the only major urban area within the United States that is without its own significant local source of electrical generation, and it currently relies on electricity imported from outside the region for its needs; and

WHEREAS, The California Independent System Operator, the State Building and Construction Trades Council of California, the American Lung Association, the Loma Prieta Chapter of the Sierra Club, the Center for Energy Efficiency and Renewable Technologies, the California Manufacturers and Technology Association, the San Jose Silicon Valley Chamber of Commerce, and the Utility Reform Network all support construction of the Metcalf Energy Center; and

WHEREAS, The Silicon Valley and all Californians must come together to participate in formulating the solution to California’s energy needs, and now is the time for government leaders to demonstrate their commitment to solving a problem that poses an imminent threat to our economy and quality of life; now, therefore, be it