Wednesday, September 12, 2001

Everyone needs power, but power plants shouldn't be built in residential areas. Prior to deregulation most public utilities didn't locate power plants in neighborhoods because risks to the public were not deemed acceptable.

So why does Oklahoma-based Williams Energy Co. want to build one of the nation's largest power plants of its kind in a residential area? And not just any residential area, but adjacent to Atlanta's largest retirement community, a nursing home, two assisted living homes, a hospice and facility for critically ill children, and children's residential foster care home!

They want to do it because it's cheaper for the company and it means a larger profit for them.

The company must look at the health implications its plant will have when its smokestacks spew 5,000 tons of nitrogen oxide, sulfur dioxide, carbon monoxide and volatile organic compounds on these seniors and children who are especially affected.

Is this a trend after deregulation for energy companies to find the cheapest energy route and source whatever the cost to the publics health? If it is, then every citizen in Georgia needs to be alarmed.

Atlanta struggles with meeting air quality standards, and it gets worse every day! Do we need another source of pollution hovering over us, especially our seniors, the sick, and fragile child? The answer is a resounding NO.

Bob Crutchfield

President/CEO

Christian City

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