Proposed plant parallels evident

Staff Writer
Article Launched: 04/19/2008 10:01:19 PM MDT

Editor:

I have followed coverage of the proposed Desert Rock coal-fired power plant on the Navajo Nation as well as reporting on the anticipated return of uranium mining in the Grants Mining Belt.

I find the parallels interesting, especially when you look closely at comments made by Navajo President Joe Shirley Jr. in support of the coal plant and his opposition to uranium mining. In an interview with Tim Gardner of Reuter.com, Pres. Shirley said the Desert Rock coal plant is needed because it will bring jobs to the Nation and provide more than $50 million annually. His exact quote was, "it's all about putting food on the table, putting shoes on little feet."

What I find ironic are the words Pres. Shirley uses to defend the Desert Rock coal plant. He says that technology has improved, making the plant the cleanest of its kind, and carbon emissions will be less due to its efficiency. With economic development and environmentally sound operations, according to Pres. Shirley, it's a win-win situation.

The irony is that the same science Pres. Shirley uses to defend desert Rock is the same science that demonstrates the dramatic improvements that have also occurred in uranium mining. Why does the science work when defending a coal plant, but doesn't work for uranium mining?
Pres. Shirley strongly expresses opposition to uranium mining because of environmental and health problems that occurred during the last mining cycle. Mining companies that plan to mine in New Mexico were not here during the last cycle. Several of these companies are already using in-situ mining processes in other states for over three decades. The science is working; there haven't been any environmental disasters at any of the uranium mine sites.

Reasonable thinking people are realizing that nuclear energy is the only power that will reduce greenhouse gases. The World Nuclear Power Organization reports that 34 new reactors are being built, 93 are on order or planned, and another 222 are proposed. Uranium is the only fuel source for those plants.

I represent the members of the Eastern Navajo Allottee Association who live outside the Navajo Nation's boundaries. We also need economic development. We will not benefit financially from the Desert Rock coal plant nor will we receive any of its electricity.

However, we sit on vast reserves of uranium deposits and would welcome the opportunity to provide for our families and their future. Pres. Shirley is right; its all about putting food on the table and shoes on little feet. We just need to agree on the science.

BENJAMIN HOUSE

Eastern Navajo Allottee Association, Inc.

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