Monday, October 22, 2007
Turk's Final Arguments
All sides got to lay it on the table at today's final arguments before the PSC. It's all in the hands of Chairman Suskie and Commissioner's Bassett and Newbern now. They have 60 days from today to render their decision whether SWEPCO is granted the permit to proceed. There was a nice contingent of locals in attendance to show their support. Senator Horn, along with Representatives Stewart, Cowling and myself were there to provide a legislative presence. It all boils down to this--Does this small number of hunting club members get to keep their ball and go home, or will our community and its' children have a chance at untold opportunities this project offers? The environmental collapse predicted at today's hearing was put into words by the intervenor's attorney when he told the commissioners that if they allowed this plant to be built, they would regret their decision in 20 years. He didn't say why the people in Gentry don't regret their power plant 30 years later, or why the environment there is as viable and beautiful as it was 30 years ago. They don't like that comparison because it doesn't suit their argument of ecological disaster. As I have said before, SWEPCO and the hunting club can live in harmony without the environment being compromised. You only need travel to Gentry and see for yourself.
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
2 comments:
Bubba,
Has any state govt official like the governor,etc, taken a position to support the power plant?
If not, why do you think they haven't?
Good question Jerry. To my knowledge, the only statement made by the Governor is that if he had to err on this project, he would have to err on the side of the environment. I guess that answers your question in regards to the Governor. It would certainly help to have him supporting the plant, but at this time, he apparently has made a decision to more or less stay in the background. My feeling is that there are no errors to be made, just a huge economic impact, with minimal environmental fallout. Again I point to the coal fired plant in Gentry. Both the community and environment have co-existed quite well over the past 30 years.
Post a Comment