Article published Feb 1, 2008

Coal plant location

The recent items in the Tribune make me wonder why the coal-fired generating plant isn't to be located in southcentral Montana where it would be close to the coal supply, could use Yellowstone River water, and be near the area that wants to use the power. That would surely lower the cost of the power.

Another thing: The plant is to be built several miles east of Great Falls. Is this so the prevailing winds would carry the pollution away from the city? Montana is in a rush to build more generating plants to furnish more power to California and other places. They get clean power, and Montana gets the problems and pollution.

I hear talk of "eminent domain." Isn't this to be used only in cases of public necessity, not just for the monetary gain for some of the people? Seems like the case for eminent domain would be hard to prove as there are other sites available, and we export power from Montana to other areas.

Looking at this from a distance presents a confusing picture.

— Roy Johnson, Glasgow