Don't we really need more power?
No. Ohio has already approved enough additional plants for a 25% capacity margin by 2008. Extra energy produced by merchant peaking plants like Aquila's can be sold anywhere to profit them at the expense of our community. These plants don't replace Ohio's old, polluting coal plants; they just add more pollution. Conserving and using renewable energy sources is a more responsible way to provide additional electricity when it is needed.
Aren't all the environmental concerns just scare tactics?
No. Even by meeting EPA standards, the plant will release pollutants into the air in a short time period. Unlike a truck which moves as it releases emissions, all of the pollutants from the plant will be released in one area during the hot summer months. Most of the particulate matter will remain in a 2-mile radius of the plant. The elderly, individuals with respiratory disease, and the very young can be affected by any decrease in air quality. As a community, we must decide how important our environment is to us.
Wasn't the enterprise zone agreement too good a deal to pass up?
For Aquila, maybe. Wouldn't we all like to pay 25% of our taxes for 10 years? By agreeing to the deal, LU-T lost $30,000 per year over taking no abatement, not to mention the confidence of voters who believed that the school board "would consider no further abatement in this matter". Currently, Aquila stock has dropped and they have laid off hundreds of employees and closed one division of their company. Does this sound like a sound financial partner?
Won't the property value agreement in the Enterprise Zone protect nearby residents?
Attorneys who have examined a sample agreement caution residents that the appraisal phase and first option buyout definitely gave Aquila the advantage in this agreement. The agreement lasts for only 5 of the 10 years and is offered only to folks within a mile of the plant. An independent study from a University of Illinois professor showed that property values diminish up to 2 miles from the power plant. Further, property owners have to agree to stop fighting the plant, relinquish their right to sue Aquila, and never criticize Aquila or the plant. Sounds like a violation of Freedom of Speech, doesn't it?
Isn't this just a NIMBY issue?
If being a "NIMBY" (Not In My Backyard) means caring about the type of industry that is located in your community, then yes - we are NIMBYs. This project supersedes local zoning, impacts the air quality and quality of life for local residents, reduces property values for properties up to 2 miles away, and could lead to further industrial development for a rural area.
Won't the property need to be rezoned?
No. Utility companies receive special permits from a division of the Public Utilities Commission of Ohio called the Ohio Power Siting Board (OPSB). Our community will not get to vote on the rezoning of the property. Aquila applies to the OPSB. Their staff does an analysis of the project which includes a study of the site by the Environmental Protection Agency. After both a public and a judicial hearing, the OPSB can then issue Aquila a special use permit to build and operate the plant. Concerned citizens can write the OPSB and attend the public meeting to express concerns about the project.
I can't do anything to stop this anyway, can I?
Concerned neighbors formed O.R.R.D. (Ohioans for Responsible Rural Development) to look into the project and other concerns for Liberty Township. As a group, they are looking at battling Aquila at the Ohio Power Siting Board and peakers across Ohio through a moratorium. You can help by writing letters, attending meetings and supporting O.R.R.D. financially.
