As NRG Energy attempts to get approval for constructing a second coal fired electricity generating plant at Indian River, Delawareans are being presented with an opportunity to construct wind powered generators just off of our coast. We are fortunate to have near ideal conditions for wind power, and can supply all our electrical needs and then some from the wind.

Coal burning not only increases the greenhouse gas carbon dioxide into our air, but also produces deadly mercury compounds plus an array of toxic gases like oxides of sulfur and nitrogen and finally, emphysema and lung cancer producing fly ash. Moreover, the strip mining of coal lays waste our mountains and streams of the likes of West Virginia and Kentucky. NRG’s proposal claims they can do carbon sequestration, “putting the stuff away somewhere”, but the technology is not yet economically feasible, according to Leonard Schwartz, Professor of Mechanical Engineering at UD.

A documentary film called “Kilowatt Ours” demonstrates these negative aspects of coal mining and burning, yet our national government has been promoting the coal industry, exactly the opposite of what we should be doing. This film will be shown again in Sussex County in early January, along with a presentation by Dr. Willett Kempton from UD. When the date is set, I will announce it here.

Since the decision on the future of power generation in Delaware is now being considered by the Legislature, it is imperative that citizens contact their Representatives and Senators to express concern about another coal fired plant at Indian River.

For additional information on this topic:

http://abettersussex.blogspot.com/
http://www.cleartheair.org/regional/factsheets/factsheetDEfinal.pdf