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California public-use airports would be assured the protection of an airport land-use commission under a bill passed by the state Assembly Aug. 30.

We returned from the Modesto Irrigation District Board of Directors' meeting, whose purpose was to approve the Mitigated Negative Declaration for the Valley Bio-Energy Biomass Energy Project, carrying our CALPILOTS shields - not being carried on them. (Editor’s Note: a negative declaration would eliminate the Environmental Impact Report requirement.)

Many ratepayers at meeting call biomass expensive, polluting
Concerns about cost persuaded the Modesto Irrigation District to reject a plan for an $80 million plant that would turn orchard wood into electricity.

LINE UP AND WAIT PHRASEOLOGY CHANGE

• Beginning on September 30, 2010, the words "Position and Hold" will no longer be used to instruct a pilot to enter the runway and await takeoff clearance. Under the new "Line Up and Wait" phraseology, the controller will:
  • State the call-sign.
  • State the departure runway.
  • State "Line Up and Wait".

Byron Airport in relation to both proposed power plants

TRACY - A natural gas power plant proposed for just outside San Joaquin County would be justified in part by reductions in pollution from a facility in Santa Clara, far from the smoggy Valley.The 200-megawatt "peaker" plant, meant to help satisfy California's peak energy demands, could emit up to 46 tons per year of smog-forming chemicals, according to a report released this week.To offset that pollution, developers of the Mariposa Energy Project would obtain credits from a facility which has decreased its own emissions - a kind of trade.
Editor's Note: Here is a good opportunity to read about the power plant industry's back room deals to pollute the air for their profit.