317 Fox Drive

Great Falls, MT 59404

24 August 2006

Kathleen Johnson

Department of Environmental Quality

P.O. Box 200901

Helena, MT 59620-0901

Dear Ms. Johnson,

I am writing to express my concerns about the proposed Highwood Generating Project planned for Great Falls and the draft EIS. Being a resident of Great Falls, I am particularly perplexed as to the reason and sanity of building such a polluting and unnecessary plant in this area or anywhere in the state of Montana. We don’t need the electricity, there are better renewable sources of energy, and it is of grave concern to the residents of this area who will be subject to the environmental and health issues that ensue.

My husband and I have a grandson who is autistic. There are many studies and most have authenticated the fact that mercury is most likely a contributing factor in autism. We will not stand by to see other children afflicted as he is. It is a parent’s nightmare to deal with this condition, and it takes all the money, energy and time that parents have to help such a child lead a decent quality life.

Scientists are proving daily that global warming is reality. Why would we in Montana, who have a wonderful climate and life style, want to contribute to this by spewing CO2, etc. into the air? It makes no sense when we are NOT in a crisis for energy, we don’t need this plant, and most people, if they knew the true statistics and consequences, would not support such a thing. Economic development for Great Falls is not so important that we put our residents’ lives at risk. Children are so susceptible and it is unfair to subject them to the fallout from this project. I don’t believe they have a vote on it. Do I?

Please look at cleaner, more sustainable, alternatives for energy production.

Sincerely,

Gerry Jennings