A decision by the U.S. Department of Commerce not to overturn the state Coastal Commission’s rejection of the proposed Foothill South toll road brought strong responses from a variety of proponents and opponents Thursday.

Jane Luxton, general counsel for the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, a branch of Commerce, listened to testimony at a public hearing in September at the Del Mar Fairgrounds. She advised U.S. Commerce secretary Carlos M. Gutierrez, who made the final decision.

“I wouldn’t characterize it as a ruling against the toll road,” she said. “We’re not really deciding whether the toll road is a good idea or not.”

Instead, Commerce examined the supporters’ contention that there was no reasonable alternative to the toll road route, and that the road was in the national interest. The agency decided Foothill South failed both of those tests.

The toll road debate, she said, was “definitely spirited, with a lot of passion. I thought it was a good hearing and a good chance to let people voice their opinions.”

Some other responses, pro and con:

Orange County 5th district supervisor Pat Bates:

“Obviously, we’re disappointed. We have to get back around that table, and go to work. I remain very concerned about south Orange County. I know it’s a challenge, and I know as time is passing the situation is worsening. And I do have serious concerns for our public safety.”

San Juan Capistrano City Council member and toll road agency board member Sam Allevato:

“It’s a decision that really doesn’t move us forward. It doesn’t help San Juan Capistrano solve our prolbems with traffic congestion and air quality. I will continue to look for viable solutions that divert traffic around our town, and not down the I-5.

“I’m very reluctant to go to court on this. Why go to court and spend all that money in a long, protracted lawsuit? I just think we need to come up with an alternative that is going to work.”

Joan Irvine Smith, an activist and toll road opponent who pushed for the La Pata extension route that Commerce identified as a viable alternate route:

“We can’t sit on our hands. We have to do something. There is another toll road alternative. We’ve got to stop fighting over this thing and move forward in a positive manner to resolve this, so we can get that road in there — because we really need a road.”

Jerry Amante, chairman, Foothill/Eastern Transportation Corridor Agency:

“The obstructionists and those who want to prevent all progress and growth, who have made this the Holy Grail of their own particular environmental cause, are delighted today. Once again, they’ve been able to throw a roadblock in the path of progress, and to mire our residents in poor quality of life for the sake of their own particular interests.”

Mark Delaplaine of the Coastal Commission staff, author of the report that condemned the toll road proposal as a violation of the state Coastal Act:

“We didn’t see how they (the toll road agency) could meet the test that the secretary has to rule under. Clearly they (Commerce) disagreed with us on a number of issues. Our briefs were persuasive on enough grounds to have our decision sustained.”

Elizabeth Goldstein, president of the California State Parks Foundation:

“We are absolutely thrilled by the U.S. Commerce decision. They have upheld the California Coastal Commission today, and dealt a fatal blow to this terrible project — and an extraordinary victory to California.”

Bobby Shriver, former chairman of the State Park and Recreation Commission:

“I’m thrilled the Bush administration in its waning days rejected all the K Street lobbyists and the others who urged them to decide this the other way. I think it’s a credit to them and a sign that this is a really bad proposal.”

Joel Reynolds, Natural Resources Defense Council:

“We applaud today’s decision. This is a major step forward in the protection of the Southern California coast.”

State treasurer Bill Lockyer:

“Hooray, hooray, hooray. I’m so delighted. I thought the case was a compelling one and I’m glad the federal department has ruled accordingly.  I wish that the toll road authority would decide that it’s time to collaborate and figure out what’s right for the community and the environment.”

Related posts:

• Feds uphold state decision: Toll road near Trestles appears dead
• Twitter aflutter with toll road talk
• Toll road overview, issues and arguments
• Players on both sides of the toll road issue
• Trestles timeline

More on Green OC:

• Pollution-gobbling bacteria set loose in Seal Beach
• Gas guzzlers gone for good? Yes, says OC ‘branding’ expert
• Study: seals and sea lions chock full of toxic chemicals
• State adopts sweeping greenhouse gas reduction plan
• In Dana Point, an octopus explosion
• Wyland fight: state seeks new artist for “whale tail” plate

You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. Both comments and pings are currently closed.