(Note from the Editor: AsAmNews began reporting in November the struggle to stop a solar ranch from being built on the site of the Manzanar incarceration camp. (photo by jvoves) We invited Bruce Embrey, co-chair of the Manzanar Committee to answer a few questions about why this fight is so important)
Why is the Manzanar Committee opposed to installation of a solar farm?
The solar farm actually stands within the original footprint of the Manzanar concentration camp. Regardless, the surrounding physical environs are an essential part of understanding the conditions our families were subjected to during the incarceration. An essential part of the story is the physical environment. It is crucial for people to understand that all ten of America’s concentration camps were, at that time, established in geographically isolated, inhospitable, desolate places. The physical isolation and harsh environments, including extreme heat and unbearable cold, were punishing both physically and psychologically. This is the significance of leaving the natural environment undeveloped.
What body has ultimate final approval of whether or not the solar plant gets built?
The LADWP Board, chaired by former Congressman Mel Levine, who, ironically, authored the legislation that established the Manzanar National Historic Site in 1992.
Where are they in the approval process?
The formal public comment period ended on December 20. But we are continuing our lobbying work and will be shifting our focus to our elected representatives.
What can the Manzanar Committee and others do to stop it?
The Manzanar Committee has partnered with a number of community organizations in LA and the Owens Valley, environmental organizations and concerned individuals who oppose the LADWP project. We are raising our concerns in the press and with our different elected officials. This is essentially a public relations battle at this point.
What can members of the public do to voice their opinion about the plan?
The comment period ended on December 20, but this doesn’t mean the DWP is not listening. Letters to the editor, contacting the City Council members and signing our petition on change.org are all effective ways to oppose the proposed solar ranch.
The petition is at:
The Los Angeles Times ran a headline on December 26 that read
DWP is moving ahead with plans for Owens Valley solar plant…
…and you were quoted as saying “There is no agency that regulates vistas and views. We have moral authority, an appeal to the city’s social conscience. We are urging the DWP to consider alternative sites for its solar farm, perhaps on structures in downtown Los Angeles.”
The Times prefaced your quote by saying Critics of the plan say they have little leverage to stop it.
Was that an accurate summary of your quote? Please explain.
This isn’t a fight over a scenic view vs. solar power. This is about protecting an essential part of Asian American and American History. Manzanar National Historic Site tells the story about one of the most egregious violations of civil rights in recent history. Manzanar stands as a symbol of the mass incarceration of more than 110,000 persons of Japanese ancestry, more than two-thirds native-born American citizens. It stands as a monument to the decimation of an entire community economically, socially and politically because of racial prejudice and economic greed.
The true leverage we have is the power of public opinion. It is imperative the API community speak out and push back against efforts to denigrate important sites like Manzanar in the name of progress.
Is there anything else you would like to say about this issue?
It is important to remember that the LADWP vehemently opposed the creation of the Manzanar National Historic Site. In fact, they had competing legislation that they refused to withdraw during the 1991-92 Congressional efforts to create the National Park. At the time, their argument was the creation of the Manzanar National Historic Site would threaten their water rights and their water sources in the area, which was entirely untrue. Now they argue it will negatively impact LA’s transition to clear energy. It is a false choice.
First of all, LADWP owns more than 80% of the land in the Owens Valley and therefore, has other options. Secondly expanding solar capacity in LA would be more cost effective and more efficient.
Big, industrial solar facilities are less efficient than solar arrays set up where the energy is needed and consumed. In fact, the LADWP plans on paying individuals in the LA area almost 20% more per kilowatt hour than those in the Owens Valley through their net metering program. If the solar arrays were in Los Angeles transmission and distribution costs would be considerably cheaper making it a win for LADWP’s customers. The cost of building the site, coupled with huge capital investments in transmission and distribution infrastructure, will undoubtedly will be passed on to LADWP customers.
Historically, LADWP has failed to respect the needs and concerns of the Owens Valley in their quest for water. Today, the Big Pine Paiute Tribe, the Lone Pine Paiute-Shoshone Tribe, the Owens Valley Committee and others in the region oppose the solar ranch. It is time LADWP respect the people of Owens Valley and their concerns. We, the Manzanar Committee, are demanding that LADWP respect the Manzanar National Historic Site, and, we are demanding that the concerns and views of those who survived the forced removal of the Nikkei people during World War II be respected.
RE: Manzanar Committee wages public relations battle against Solar Farm on historical site: This struggle is similiar to the current gentrification trend happening in Chinatowns thru out America. I would urge more APA’s to support the Manzanar Committee.
RE: Manzanar Committee wages public relations battle to stop proposed solar farm: Why can’t they build solar farms like roofs over highways and roads. They could also collect rain water this way too.