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Rethink coal needs, panel says

Sevier County citizens are getting NO help from state, county or federal agencys to address health concerns, or what to expect from burning 940,000 tons per year of coal in a small mountain ringed valley. There are 183 homes within a distance of 1 3/4 mile of the site in which Sevier Power has proposed to generate electricity from coal complete with coal and ash storage. Folks are worried sick about their health, contamination to the water table and ability to live and farm around this "big smoker". Anyone else living in the state should be concerned also. Who deals with health issues in this matter????

The people of Sevier County are being treated as second class citizens from the local officals. They have spent 6 1/2 years trying to get their attention. They jump on every turn for the power company. They have made it so the local Health Department will not even talk to them. Air Quality is charged with protecting the health of the citizens but they stick to EPA regulations that were pit in force eight years ago.

I have to wonder if those so in favor of the proposed plant would still be if it was being built less than 2 miles from their homes. I attended several meetings where the Nevco reps were able to present their propaganda but the citizens were only able to make statements and not ask questions. Why can't we get any firm answers as far as fly ash disposal, water usage, etc. How about a list of the exact jobs, requirements, and pay scale of the proposed "good paying" jobs the plant could provide? It worries me that physicians and others are willing to come from Salt Lake to fight for our rights to have clean air and a healthy environment in this valley and yet our own planning commision and county reps , except for a few , appear to care so little. I am appalled that in the USA persons are still told they can not voice their opinions for fear of losing their jobs ie. health dept., fish and game etc. We must remember that many times in the past what was considered safe by those that had money to be made harmed many in the end. Think about the tobacco industry, nuclear testing areas,etc. Let us try to put people before money this time.

I am sick that the human race is pushed aside to make a few greedy men lots of money. UTAH we have to ban together to make a difference. For some reason most of our elected officials have the attitude that they know what we want and they don't even ask. Well Utah Moms for Clean Air is saying Enough is ENOUGH!!!!
The time has come to take responsibility for the mess we, and past generations, have made. We must clean things up or there is no hope for our children. In 50 years (like the article says) my oldest child will only be 60. We can make a difference within one generation and we must if we want the best for our children.
It is time to look at renewable energy and stop copying 19th century technology! It is the 21st century people and we are suppose to be brighter than those from so long ago. DO SOMETHING to get your voice out there...silence is acceptance!
Shanna Bastian
Utah Moms for Clean Air--Sevier County Chapter Chair