WASHINGTON, D.C. - The five congressional delegates from San Diego County have sent a letter to the California Coastal Commission, urging them to approve the permit for the Carlsbad Desalination Plant.

The letter states that the plant would enable the county to "pursue a water diversification strategy" to complement conservation and reclamation efforts. It was signed by Darrell Issa, R-Vista; Brian Bilbray, R-Solana Beach; Duncan Hunter, R-El Cajon; Bob Filner, D-San Diego; and Susan Davis, R-San Diego.

It also suggests that the plant would reduce pressure on the state's imported water system.

Poseidon, with the city of Carlsbad as its main partner, wants to build a $300 million plant at Carlsbad's Encina power plant. Poseidon has said the plant would turn 50 million gallons of seawater each day into drinking water by forcing it through high-tech filters and sending the extra salt back to the sea.

Hearings are scheduled for Oct. 30 before the State Lands Commission and Nov. 15 before the Coastal Commission.