(Letter to the Editor - Graphic Illustration/MetroCreativeConnection)

I recently read (a guest column) by a gentleman that should be in the know of what is happening at the Pleasants Power Station. He suggested, and I highly agree with, that we should keep the Pleasants Power Station at least in a “warm” state (operational) until such time as the fate of it is completely decided. He stated that if it is allowed to go cold (shut down), it cannot be brought back to life. It will take a little help from us to make this happen. I believe the figure was a little over $2 per month on our electric bills. A small sacrifice.

The local tree-hugging group has started a campaign, through multiple media platforms, newsprint and television commercials) to sabotage this action. Don’t be drawn into this rhetoric! I do think there is a future in using some solar and wind energy to offset our current electrical provisions, however, I don’t see us being there yet. In fact the huggers’ statement is to fund the research into alternate sources. I don’t completely disagree with this, as we do need alternate sources to shore up our future needs. I don’t believe we can ever replace fossil fuel needs as they go beyond just providing power. Do the research in what all of the byproducts of fossil fuels are. This often gets overlooked.

Think of this scenario: I want to replace my coffee brand Fossil Fuel Dark Roast. I want to either use the two newest brands Wind Medium Roast or Solar Light Roast. My first action was to go through my kitchen and toss out all of the Fossil Fuel Dark Roast. So far, so good! Now off to the store I go to purchase the one or both of the new brands. When I arrive at store after store, I find that the manufacturer of the new brands has not prepared to supply all my coffee needs and the shelves are bare. At this point I realize; I should have saved some of my old Fossil Fuel Dark Roast until I was sure the new Light and Medium Roast coffees were available to fulfill my caffeine addiction.

In America there is an addiction for using power, and I don’t see the shelves (grid) being stocked with a replacement big enough to fulfill our current and future needs. In fact, our grid is suspect in even being a stable source. Many of the things being promoted to replace all our BAD power needs are using more fossil fuels to make, (my understanding) than are being offset. Check out what it takes to mine the lithium for the batteries needed for these alternate sources, just for one point.

As Earl Pitts once said, “WAKE UP AMERICA!”

David Holbert

Waverly