Richard Fristik

Environmental Protection Specialist

USDA

Dear Mr. Fristik,

I hope this note finds you happy and well.

I write today concerning the SME's Final Environmental Impact Statement (FEIS) comment period.

I object to the construction of the proposed old technology coal plant being built near Great Falls Montana because it would utilize outdated and inefficient technologies that would make the plant obsolete before it is even completed!

Due to its potential extensive pollution, I strongly believe that the Highwood coal plant violates our constitutional right as Montanans to a “clean and healthful environment”.

There are some serious questions as to this whole project:

1. The Rural Utility Service (RUS) of the USDA should not place taxpayer dollars at risk to fund a polluting coal-fired power plant that will emit heavy metals and acids that will result in cumulative damage to prime agricultural lands of statewide importance within the “Golden Triangle”.  The recent Cascade County zone change from “agricultural” to “heavy industrial” is being legally challenged by 49 area landowners.

2. The Rural Utility Service cannot legally place taxpayer dollars at risk to fund electricity generation that is not intended to benefit rural communities.  The vast majority of electricity generated by the Highwood facility will go either to the City of Great Falls or to the market.

3. The Rural Utility Service of the USDA cannot legally place taxpayer dollars at risk to fund a power plant that is unnecessary to meet the reasonable needs of its consumers. Before the Rural Utilities Service can back a new plant, it has to be sure that existing sources of electricity are inadequate to meet demand.  Neither the agency nor Southern Montana electric (“SME”) has ever undertaken any meaningful analysis of the many alternatives to building a coal-fired power plant.

4. The RUS should not place taxpayer dollars at risk to fund a venture based on inaccurate and incomplete load projections and outdated cost analyses.

The proposed plant would needlessly waste our precious water resources. The coal plant and its plume of smoke will destroy the integrity of the Lewis and Clark National Historic Landmark, which is becoming an increasingly important tourism asset. 

I can’t believe you would propose impairing scenic views of the Golden Triangle and at the Gates of the Mountain and the Bob Marshall!

This whole thing is a no-brainer. We don’t need the power plant, its pollution, or its waste of water. We don’t want the power plant. Please do whatever you can to ensure NO old technology coal-fired plant is built! Thank you.

Sincerely,

Paul

Paul Richards