Temecula Tourism and Wine Leaders Unite in Opposition to Proposed SDG&E Powerlink Route
Visit Temecula Valley (VTV) and the Temecula Valley Winegrowers Association (TVWA) have issued a joint position opposing the proposed route of San Diego Gas & Electric’s (SDG&E) 145-mile Golden Pacific Powerlink project, citing irreversible damage to regional tourism, agricultural preservation, and public safety.
The proposed 500-kilovolt overhead transmission line is currently slated to cut directly through iconic Southwest Riverside County corridors, including areas near state Route 79 South, Vail Lake, Galway Downs, and the Temecula Parkway via Temecula Creek. Tourism and wine industry leaders state that the industrial infrastructure will severely degrade the visual appeal of the destination and introduce heightened wildfire risks into high-severity fire zones.
"Temecula Valley’s economy thrives on its reputation as a premier, scenic destination for wine tourism, outdoor recreation, and resort experiences," said Chris Baily, Board Chair, Visit Temecula Valley. "Replacing our majestic landscapes with massive industrial towers compromises the very aesthetic that supports thousands of hospitality jobs and local small businesses. Furthermore, bringing high-voltage lines through wildfire-prone wine country presents a significant safety hazard to our residents, visitors, and historic agricultural lands."
Both organizations emphasize that because the line is designed purely for regional transmission to other utility territories, Temecula is being asked to bear severe environmental and economic liabilities without receiving any direct local benefit.
“Temecula Valley Wine Country is not only an economic engine for our region, but also a protected agricultural destination that families, visitors, and businesses have invested decades into building,” said Mike Rennie, Board President, Temecula Valley Winegrowers Association. “Placing massive transmission infrastructure through the heart of wine country threatens the rural character, scenic beauty, and long-term sustainability that make this region so special. We strongly urge SDG&E and state decision-makers to pursue alternative routes that protect our wineries, vineyards, residents, visitors, and wildlife from unnecessary environmental and wildfire risks.”
VTV and TVWA are formally calling on state regulators, local officials, and SDG&E to evaluate alternative routing options that bypass the delicate tourist corridors and agricultural heart of the Temecula Valley entirely.