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 Dear 'Links,

 

The good news that the coal plant will close by June, 2014 has been tempered by the bad news that a large gas plant will be built on the site. 

 

Gas is a fossil fuel with costs to the environment and our health, at each stage of its usage:  removing it from the earth, transporting it, and then burning it and emitting global warming gases. This rush to install a large gas plant on the site with very little public input as to the environmental and economic impact of this installation has us deeply worried. In addition, State Representative Keenan from Salem has proposed an amendment to an energy bill which will saddle ratepayers with expenses the gas plant owner should assume.

This is an example of a specific pork-barrel legislation targeted for the benefit of this buyer at this site. It is an outrageous example of corporate welfare for an already heavily subsidized industry - the gas industry.  The StateHouse News service described this 'sweetheart' deal which is opposed by environmental groups, good government groups and even the Association of Industrial Manufacturers.  

 

This inside deal will create the future that affects everyone in this region.  In the Salem News, Jane Bright has a letter to the editor that quantifies some information received from meetings with the probable buyer of the site and research we have done.  The local papers are running a story of Jan Schlichtmann's work to create an alternative vision for the use of the site. Check out the HealthLink website for newspaper articles, and essays explaining the current state of the project and some alternative visions. 

 

Shouldn't the public have some input as to whether another fossil-fuel-fired facility should be built here to last for decades? We want to see more public engagement in decisions about the developement that affect us all.   
  

 

HealthLink
P.O. Box 301
Swampscott, MA 01907
781-598-1115

 

HealthLink mission: To protect and improve public health by reducing and eliminating toxins and pollutants from our environment through research, education and community action.