EDITORIAL

Word of progress this week in the negotiations between the city and

AES Corp. concerning the company’s plans to restart two generators at its

Newland Street plant comes as good news, though the better news -- of a

settlement that includes pollution control and bears in mind the needs of

nearby residents -- remains elusive.

AES was given the OK to restart the generators at its Newland Street

plant by the California Energy Commission on May 10. But both the company

and the city are appealing the approval, though for different reasons.

City officials are worried about pollution from the plant and the

amount of time each generator would be in use. AES wants the decision

changed because, company officials say, provisions in the approval limit

the company’s ability to sell electricity out of state.

The results of the negotiations clearly are important because any

restart at the plant is bound to affect nearby residents. In dealing with

AES, city officials need to stand firm on requiring safeguards and

pollution control. And with the state’s “energy crisis” seemingly a thing

of the past, there is no reason to rush through the talks. Residents

certainly wouldn’t want a fast deal.