Let's find ways to cut energy use
The controversy over coal power is on the minds of many people today, as well as a topic of conversation and debate. Froma Harrop's column "Coal may be cheap, but it is no answer to US energy needs" was in the Daily Herald on Aug. 31, the day after a forum on coal power was held in Batavia.
The issue was addressed by Batavians, Genevans, activists from the Sierra Club and the Environmental Law and Policy Center, city officials via a letter and southern Illinois residents whose lives would be directly affected by coal power.
Harrop lists several environmental problems with coal -- illnesses and deaths of coal miners, acid rain, asthma from fine particulates, contribution to global warming, and devastation of the mountains and streams of Appalachia. How will the topography of the Land of Lincoln be affected by coal mining? Seventeen coal plants are proposed for Illinois.
On Oct. 1, all of the Tri-Cities, Naperville and other municipalities plan to become owners of the Prairie State Power Facility in Washington County, southeast of St. Louis. This 1,600-megawatt coal-fired power plant would be the largest coal power plant in the country.
Though it is said to be a clean coal plant, it would still be a huge contributor to global warming. Provisions are being made for carbon sequestration (a method to capture and store carbon dioxide underground) when that technology is available.
Power plants require a water source, which in southern Illinois would be the Kaskaskia River, also the source of drinking water for area residents. Thirty million gallons per day would be drained from the river with only 3 million being returned to the river. What happens in case of drought, which southern Illinois is presently experiencing?
I do understand and appreciate the city of Batavia's position. They have the responsibility of providing affordable, reliable energy to their residents. Our community has come a long way over the years with an extensive recycling program, the use of hybrid vehicles and bio-diesel fuel, and the creation of the Batavia Environmental Commission, to name a few. The city is currently working on a very promising joint venture of a wind farm that would bring a substantial amount of clean renewable energy into our system.
I am encouraged by all these efforts and hope that both the city and its residents can work together to become not only environmentally aware, but find creative and effective ways to actually reduce our energy requirements and commit ourselves to doing just that.
We are in a time of transition, realizing that old systems like coal power no longer serve us well, yet fearful and reticent to commit to new technology that promises a better future. The haunting question is "Will it be enough?" There is no single solution.
It will require a combination of technologies -- first in conservation and energy efficiency -- then in renewable energy sources such as wind, solar and geothermal. It will require a coalition of efforts. This is the work of everyone: the city and our utility, citizens, schools, churches, environmental groups, civic groups, children's organizations.
Let the city council know that you believe our community can follow the example of California and use 50 percent less energy per capita than the rest of the nation. Let them know you want to make conservation and energy efficiency a first priority. Then help to make it a priority in each of our families, in each of our churches, in every group that we touch. There is a plus to this work. We all win.
Linda Gray Sonner
Batavia