To the editor:

City Commissioners Mike Rundle, Boog Highberger and David Schauner got it right when they opposed the planned behemoth coal-burning plants near Garden City. These plants would produce millions of tons of carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases and increase mercury emissions in Kansas by upward of 70 percent; but only about 8 percent of the power produced would be used in Kansas. The plants also would tap the stressed Ogallala Aquifer for cooling water.

Western Kansas would be better served by aggressive expansion of renewable fuels such as wind and solar throughout the region. Jobs building and maintaining expanded wind and solar installations would sustain economic growth without increased emissions of greenhouse gases and mercury.

Thanks to these three commissioners for their leadership on this issue.

Bob Eye,

Lawrence