San Diego Judge Approves Shipments of Mexican Electricity to United States.

Byline: Mike Freeman

Jul. 9--A San Diego federal judge refused yesterday to halt shipments of electricity to the United States from two new power plants in Mexico, striking a blow to an environmental group that sought to shut off the cross-border power flow.

Judge Irma E. Gonzalez said the plants near Mexicali can continue to pump power across the border while the U.S. Department of Energy works to come into compliance with the National Environmental Protection Act.

The ruling was cheered by energy companies, including San Diego's Sempra Energy Resources, which operates one of the Mexicali plants.

"We're very, very pleased with the order, because it does allow both the environmental and economic benefits of this clean facility …