The Temecula Valley Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors has joined regional partners, including the City of Temecula, Visit Temecula Valley, and the Temecula Valley Winegrowers Association, in formally opposing the proposed Golden Pacific Powerlink infrastructure route through the Temecula Valley. The Chamber’s decision reflects a unified regional position and follows recent review of updated project materials and potential long-term community impacts.
The Golden Pacific Powerlink is a proposed high-voltage transmission project intended to connect Southern California energy infrastructure through multiple jurisdictions, including the Temecula Valley region.
The Chamber’s action reflects its responsibility to represent nearly 1,000 member businesses and more than 14,800 employees across the region and follows a comprehensive review of the project’s potential impacts on public safety, environmental resources, and long-term economic stability.
This position aligns with the City of Temecula and key regional partners, all of whom have expressed opposition to the proposed infrastructure route. Collectively, these organizations reflect a unified concern regarding potential risks to the region’s safety, economy, and quality of life.
Key Concerns Identified by the Chamber
Following review of project materials and consultation with regional stakeholders, the Chamber Board identified the following primary concerns:
• Increased wildfire risk associated with high-voltage transmission infrastructure located within a high and very high Fire Hazard Severity Zone
• Long-term impacts to tourism, hospitality, agriculture, retail, and wine industries that serve as core drivers of the regional economy
• Environmental and land use impacts, including sensitive wildlife corridors, habitat areas, and scenic landscapes integral to the region’s identity
• Cultural and tribal resource considerations, including areas of significance to the Pechanga Band of Luiseño Indians
• Cumulative concerns related to environmental review standards, public safety, and long-term infrastructure planning
• Disproportionate community impacts with NO direct benefit to the region from the proposed route
The Chamber emphasizes that while it supports responsible infrastructure development to meet California’s growing energy needs, such development must be balanced with the protection of communities, natural resources, and local economies.
“The Temecula Valley Chamber of Commerce represents the collective voice of our business community, and that responsibility includes ensuring long-term economic stability and public safety,” said Esther Phahla, 2026 Chair of the Board. “Following careful review, the Board determined that this infrastructure route presents unacceptable risks to the region’s businesses, residents, and natural environment.”
Brooke Nunn, President/CEO of the Temecula Valley Chamber of Commerce, added, “We remain committed to constructive engagement on infrastructure solutions that support California’s energy future. However, those solutions must be developed in a manner that avoids placing undue risk on communities such as Temecula Valley. We value the collaboration of our members, public agencies, and regional partners throughout this process.”
The Chamber will continue working in coordination with public agencies, industry partners, and community stakeholders to support alternative routing solutions that avoid high fire-risk areas and environmentally sensitive corridors while meeting statewide infrastructure needs. The Chamber will remain actively engaged as the project process advances in alignment with regional priorities and community protection efforts.