Harris Files Suit Against SANDAG

Harris wants Regional Transportation Plan to be reviewed further for pollution impact

California’s Attorney General Kamala D. Harris announced on Monday that she filed a motion to intervene in a lawsuit against the San Diego Association of Governments.

Harris is calling for SANDAG to take a harder look at the Regional Transportation Plan – which has been hotly contested among environmental interest groups.

The price tag on the behemoth plan is roughly $214 billion and would last through 2050. Highlights include including 156 new miles of Trolley service and a new trolley tunnel downtown. The plan also hopes to improve the North County Coaster, add 130 miles of managed freeway lanes and increase $3.8 billion for bike and pedestrian projects.

Harris said in a statement that the environmental impact report did not adequately address some climate concerns such as pollution.

"The 3.2 million residents of the San Diego region already suffer from the seventh worst ozone pollution in the country,” she said.

Harris is joined in her efforts by Cleveland National Forrest Foundation and Sierra Club, who filed a separate lawsuit last year.

“SANDAG didn’t do a good enough job on their plan,” said Katheryn Phillips director of Sierra Club California. “They have not satisfied the notion they have done everything possible.”

The project went through months of review, and was eventually passed overwhelmingly 18-1, with Lemon Grove being the only city against it.


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