Geever says for years groups like his have tried to shut down the power plant because its so-called once-through cooling system kills tons of marine life.

NPR: California Town Votes on Huge Desalinization Plant

Mr. JOE GEEVER (Spokesman, Surfrider Foundation): We're concerned about, you know, one that the desal may extend the life of these once-through cooling systems or, in the short term, exacerbate how much marine life mortality is going on right now.

NPR: California Town Votes on Huge Desalinization Plant