No water to spare for Tenaska

June 4, 2010

L.G. Foster, Abilene
Letter to the Editor, Abilene Reporter-News

I have heard arguments and opinions both for and against the proposed Tenaska coal-fired power plant. Why does the company coal mine (states away) desire Sweetwater for its processing location?

If the product is to be used in the oil industry west of here, why not "stimulate jobs" closer to the area of the oil fields?

Maybe it’s because that area does not have the water resources necessary for Tenaska’s needs — which brings me to a major concern for Abilene and surrounding communities that get their water from the city of Abilene.

Having lived in Abilene most of my life, I can attest to the fact that summer droughts are common. Do we have a drop to spare?

Why does Mayor Archibald chide property owners for using too much water on too many days? A little water running a few yards from your property line will get you a water violation fine. Yet we have 2 million extra gallons to sell to Tenaska each day, drought or not, every day of the year for the next 50 years?

I urge the City Council members to be wise! Don’t contract to sell something that there is no guarantee we can provide without seriously effecting the quality of life in our city and the surrounding communities. Such shortsightedness is the cause of the current economic conditions in our country and across Europe.

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