To the editor:

The proposed supersized coal-burning generating plant near Holcomb is producing plenty of smoke even before the project gets a hearing by the KDHE! Recent articles state the plant would produce 2,100 jobs. Not so! The Nov. 17 Journal-World clearly points out that only construction would require 2,100 jobs, while the finished plant would need only 140.

Many, if not most, construction workers would be engineers or technicians working for out-of-state firms. They would continue to maintain residency in their home state and not even pay income tax while working here on a temporary basis. The 140 permanent jobs are not as many as a midsized Wal-Mart or Indian casino would provide, without causing any air pollution.

Fish in many Kansas lakes and rivers are already so saturated with mercury that health authorities warn pregnant women and children not to eat them! How much more mercury do we need in our air and water?

There’s not enough industry in western Kansas to consume the power that would be generated, and about 90 percent of it would be “exported” to Colorado where stricter environmental protection makes it much more expensive to build and operate a generating station, even though it would be much closer to coal mines.

The 40 or 50 people from the Holcomb area that came here to “pack” our local hearing are putting their own selfish, short-term interests ahead of what is best for our environment and all residents of Kansas.

Graham Kreicker,

Lawrence