"The Edge" Speaks

David Evans, the U2 guitarist more often referred to as The Edge, is known for his environmental activism. Now he wants to build five state-of-the-art green homes on 156 acres of pristine California coast.

The project calls for a number of eco-friendly building techniques and materials, but critics, including conservationists and his potential Malibu neighbors, insist the negative impacts associated with developing such a remote part of the Santa Monica Mountains will negate any of the benefits.

While The Edge refused to speak with LA Times columnist Steve Lopez for our segment Trouble in Paradise: U2 in Malibu, he did send this slickly produced video statement. It's no substitute for a live interview, but it does give the rock star a chance to tell his own story.