White Stallion and Outsiders
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I have read with interest comments in the local newspapers over the past couple of weeks on the influence of “outsiders” in local discussions of the proposed White Stallion coal and petroleum-coke fired power plant for Matagorda County. What surprises me is the fact that our leaders do not realize that many local residents, many of whom are long time local residents, are opposed to having the power plant in the county. Unfortunately, many are fearful of publicly expressing their opinions given the environment of intimidation – real or imagined – for those who have views contrary to the local chamber of commerce, economic development corporation, and country/municipal officials.
Local residents to whom I have spoken are concerned with three major issues:
(1) The potentially negative effect of the proposed plant on the local ecology – specifically the fishing, shrimping and tourism industries – all of which are dependent on the health and viability of ecological resources in the county;
(2) The potential reduction of limited water resources on the local agricultural industry – specifically rice farming per se and commercial enterprises associated with rice farming, seed and fertilizer dealers, seeding and fertilizing services, farm equipment dealers, dryers, and so on.
(3) The potential impact of emissions from the proposed plant on air and water quality which have implications for health of the population – especially young children and pregnant women – and of the environment.
I have also had discussions with those who favor the coal- and petroleum coke-fired power plant. Their focus is on the need for jobs in the community, and I agree with them. Unfortunately, the increase in jobs associated with the construction of the plant will be temporary – during the construction period, whereas the number of permanent jobs at the plant is relatively limited – 150 at most and probably fewer.
People to whom I have spoken have not expressed concern for outsiders influencing public opinion. Of interest, those to whom I have spoken do not recognize the fact that the White Stallion Energy Center is comprised of outsiders and none of them are residents in the county. Who invited these outsiders to build a coal- and petroleum-coke fired power plant – and associated polluting emissions – into the community? I would suspect that some members of the group, which recruited the White Stallion Energy Center, are also not from the local area.
Assuming the coal plant is constructed and eventually in operation – and hopefully this will not be the case, please note that the electricity produced will be sent outside of the community – into the electricity grid of the state. The power generated at the expense of our local environment and potentially at the expense of the health of the population will not be available locally. Our utility prices are likely not to be reduced.
So, please step back and think about the following: Who are the outsiders? What are they doing for – or perhaps to – Matagorda County?