The idea that this plant will be virtually pollution-free is palpably false. Whatever the sophistication of its technology, it would be a net polluter. It would emit more mercury, more sulfur dioxide, more carbon dioxide, more mercury, and more health-threatening particulate matter.

But the central point about Plant Washington is not a matter of relative numbers. There are two compelling points that argue against building this plant. No. 1, it is not needed. As the perfectly legitimate and sound GA Tech study concludes, growing electricity demand could be met by greater efficiency alone. Alternative energy sources like solar, wind, and even some forms of biomass would simply be a bonus.

No. 2, all the evidence points to Plant Washington being a huge, economically unfeasible white elephant. The four EMCs that withdrew reached that conclusion, and I have not seen single comment–much less comprehensive study–issued by any supporters that rebut that conclusion. All we get is rah, rah cheerleading by the likes of Dean Alford and others who have an economic stake in the plant. Earlier this year, Dynegy Corporation withdrew from building another coal plant in southwest Georgia on the same grounds of lack of economic viability. The CEO of Georgia Power publicly stated he did not want a permit to build a coal-fired power plant in Georgia.

What an overwhelming vote of no confidence by real energy experts, as opposed to the booster club who apparently believe that chanting will create jobs.

In particular, the issue of wells going dry is of very real concern. The increased demand for water will serve as a real threat to local wells, as was demonstrated by a USGS geologist in a public presentation. For those who only have well water for their homes, we are rightly concerned about increase use a coal fired plant would require, and in fact would be irresponsible if we didn’t express those concerns.

As for Hart’s political views, asking that the co-op of which he is a member (and therefore a stock holder) abide by reasonable governing laws and rules so that its members may participate, is hardly Marxist in approach. In fact, it may be one of the best examples of capitalism, with the co-op members participating as responsible investors for the best outcome.

The FACT is coal fired power plants are the largest single source emitters of green house gas emissions.

The FACT is that the Southern United States, if counted as its own country, would be the 8th largest contributor to global greenhouse gas emissions.

The FACT is: Our children’s future depends on our generation being bold, looking beyond quarterly profit margins, and acting now to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by primarily investing in energy efficiency, and then into real, carbon reducing renewables, and lastly into biofuels and traditional production capacities.

—

Ya’ll messaging needs to change from: “look what these experts say we can do” to “look what these local folks need us to do, look at what the global community needs us to do, look at what our grandchildren need us to do”.

—

On a seperate issue, to say that mercury is not a bio-accumulant and that additional emission sources won’t increase current levels is an absurdity and a blatant disregard for even an 8th grade understanding of biology and chemistry.

—

Also, I’ve reviewed Dean Alfrod’s op-ed in the Savannah Morning News — the one you say contains misinformation — and did not see any misinformation in it. I saw facts — which I know you would rather not deal with. By calling into questions the integrity of the facts, it is YOU who are spreading misinformation.

Also, for a brand new report from the Physicians for Social Responsibility called “Coal’s Assault on Human Health” please go to: http://www.psr.org/resources/coals-assault-on-human-health.html If you don’t believe us, maybe you’ll believe the doctors.

The majority of the people who came to this meeting did not travel long distances to attend. These were mostly locals. Also of note is that one of these locals (from Dublin) was a Democratic contender for Governor. I was so encouraged by his stance that I made a $25 contribution to his campaign!

I monitor the newspapers (online) for news on this matter and am heartened to see many letters to the editor from local residents who oppose this coal plant.

On an unrelated note: Governor Perdue nominated a new EPD director. The DNR rubber stamped his choice. As such a lawyer with ties to this coal plant’s potential owners will be in charge of protecting our environment. Perdue took a page right out of the Bush playbook on how to keep large corporate donors happy.

What this garbage also fails to mention is that dozens of supporters also attended the “public meetings” around the state. At those meetings, supporters almost equaled the number opposed. Again, more misleading and inaccurate reporting by the self-anointed “honest ones.”

The Ga. Tech study is a review of other studies throughout the southeast and was not formally endorsed by the University. Furthermore, it was NOT academically peer reviewed and was nothing more than a biased, one sided effort by the authors and probably ginned up by this very group. Hardly objective data.

I also like the picture of Hartmut Ramm, a known author of Marxist propaganda and books. He adds real credibility to your cause. NOT.