Calpine says in a press release for the proposed Metcalf Energy Center at http://www.southsanjose.com/calpower.htm :

"...by displacing the more expensive, less efficient electricity generating facilities, air quality in the region will be significantly improved."

Southern Energy recently announced their plans to modernize the Potrero and Antioch power plants. From their press release at http://newsinfo.southernco.com/article.asp?id=705&co=southernco :

"Southern Energy plans to install state-of-the-art natural gas-fired turbines at its Potrero and Antioch power plants. The turbines make electricity by burning natural gas. Heat from the turbines is then recycled to boil water, powering a steam turbine that makes additional electricity. "

"Despite the increase in electricity capacity, overall emissions from the Potrero Power Plant actually should be lower on an annual basis than the plant's current emissions once the construction is complete, Harrison said. The reduction will result from the new, more efficient generation running more than the existing generation, which will be equipped with additional environmental controls. "

"San Francisco currently receives its electricity from three sources: Potrero, Hunters Point power plant (owned and operated by Pacific Gas & Electric), and transmission lines that bring in power from plants outside the area. The new generation also will allow for the implementation of plans to shut down Hunters Point. "

"The Contra Costa Power Plant in Antioch is essential to the reliability of the greater Bay Area's electric system. With increasing demand in the area, the addition of new generation will ensure the availability of efficient and environmentally sound power. The facilities proposed for Contra Costa will generate 530 megawatts of electricity, bringing the combined total there to 1,210 megawatts."

Calpine must now quantify how the proposed Metcalf Energy Center will "significantly" improve our local air quality in light of Southern Energy's plans.