Hetch Hetchy study quesries electricity impacts

Yosemite's sister-valley, the Hetch Hetchy has been dammed since the 1920's. Recent efforts to restore the scenic valley have prompted consideration from state officials. The move, however, could jeopardize power supplies:

Susan Leal, general manager of the San Francisco Public Utilities Commission, said she sympathizes with calls to restore Hetch Hetchy, but said advocates are overlooking the potential costs.

Leal said loss of power could make it hard to close dirty power plants in the Bay Area and ensure clean water for residents.

"We have a safe and high-quality source of water," she added. "That is not something you throw out the window."

The power from hetch Hetchy goes primarily to Modesto and Turlock, however. Perhaps they could turn to Natural Gas if Greenpeace ever lets up on the LNG terminals being proposed for California.