Why This Matters

Anza-Borrego Desert State Park spans more than 650,000 acres and protects rare desert ecosystems found nowhere else in Southern California. It provides habitat for species including endangered Peninsular bighorn sheep, supports important watersheds, preserves paleontological resources, and is internationally recognized for its night skies. The Park also drives tourism that sustains surrounding communities such as Borrego Springs.

A Route Rejected Once Before

This is not the first time a 500 kV transmission line has been proposed through Anza-Borrego. In 2008, the California Public Utilities Commission rejected a similar Sunrise Powerlink route through the Park after determining it would create significant and avoidable environmental impacts. Instead, regulators approved an alternate route that avoided Anza-Borrego.

Many observers note that the current preliminary route appears to follow much of the same corridor previously rejected through the Park, including areas near Highway 78, Tamarisk Grove, Grapevine Canyon, and existing utility right-of-way segments. That history is important because it shows these concerns are not new—and that less damaging alternatives have been found before.

The Corridor Effect

Major transmission lines often create impacts beyond the towers themselves. Once a high-voltage corridor is established, it can attract additional substations, industrial energy facilities, maintenance roads, staging yards, and future expansion requests along the route. In many regions, transmission infrastructure becomes the backbone for further industrialization of surrounding open space.

Following construction of the Sunrise Powerlink, large-scale wind and solar developments were built or proposed in connected desert areas. Opponents of the current project argue that approving another 500 kV corridor through the Anza-Borrego region could open the door to similar long-term cumulative impacts across rural landscapes and communities.

What Happens Next

San Diego Gas & Electric is currently in a stakeholder feedback phase and gathering public input before filing a formal application later in 2026. Once filed, the project would enter a multi-year environmental review process under state and federal law, including additional public comment opportunities.

Take Action Now

Public participation is happening right now, and early engagement can help shape the process before formal regulatory review begins.

• Attend an SDG&E Virtual Open House (register here):San Diego Gas & Electric is hosting virtual open houses on:

  • May 12, 2026

  • May 14, 2026

  • Sessions are offered at 12:00 p.m. and 5:30 p.m. (same content each session).

• Attend Future In-Person Meetings: Additional in-person community meetings are expected later in 2026. Dates and locations will be announced.

• Submit Feedback (submit here): The stakeholder feedback period is expected to remain open through early November 2026. This is an opportunity to ask questions, request alternatives, and raise concerns about impacts to the Park and surrounding communities.

• Contact Decision-Makers: Share your concerns with elected officials, agencies, and community leaders. Help decision-makers understand what is at stake for Anza-Borrego Desert State Park and the region as a whole.

• Stay Informed: Check in for updates so you can participate in future hearings, environmental review comment periods, and key milestones once the formal application is filed.

Why Your Voice Matters

Large infrastructure decisions can permanently reshape protected landscapes. Public engagement has influenced this issue before, and it can again. The future of Anza-Borrego Desert State Park should be decided with full transparency, careful review, and meaningful public input.