June 13, 2008

 

Flawed argument

I just attended the Environmental Quality Council subcommittee hearing held in Helena relating to the state's oversight of Southern Montana Electric and its plans to build a coal-fired power plant in Great Falls. What struck me as most ludicrous was the argument set forth by the plant's proponents that such thoroughness is a discouragement from any future industry setting up business in Montana.

As someone associated with historical and cultural attractions in this state, I beg to differ. The fact that our state government goes the extra mile to ensure the public health and safety can be considered an attraction for many forms of business and to many visitors who come to Montana to breathe our clean air and to recreate on our clean water. The folks at SME do not understand that fundamentally their argument that state oversight and regulation keeps businesses like theirs from operating in Montana is flawed.

I insist that our state government err on the side of caution when it comes to protecting my right to a clean and healthful environment. No amount of whining on SME's part will change my mind on that question.

— Stephenie Ambrose Tubbs, Helena