Club Members speak out - against San Juan Pollution

Members and supporters of the Sierra Club from throughout New Mexico are speaking out in favor of clean air and against the pollution coming from the San Juan coal-fired power plant. These comments were sent to the EPA and our New Mexico Senators in December to support the EPA ruling that this coal plant needs to reduce it's nitrogen oxide pollution by 80%.

Farmington: Clean air is a "Human Right". Government has the responsibility to protect the Human Rights of its citizens. The cost of health care which is a result of fouled air needs to be addressed in making decisions about a business which pollutes the air we breath. The air we live with is not something which an individual can change like changing ones coat or changing brands of shampoo. This air is the only air we have.

Las Cruces Doctor: New Mexico has many wonderful and unique assets, one of which is our beautiful scenery which draws money-bearing tourists. Clean air is a major factor in scenic beauty. Healthy citizens are also a part of a scenic area. We can not support the executives of PNM at the expense of our citizens and our state.

ABQ Doctor: We must exceed industry standards in working for clean air. In these times of attack on our environment in the name of corporate America we must stand firm in promoting clean air for ourselves and our children.

Santa Fe Doctor: Why should New Mexico be behind industry standards rather than in step? I am sure you don't want to intentionally poison the air and sicken people in the Four Corners, but that is effectively what you are doing by putting larger profits over the common good.

ABQ Doctor: Cut the pollution as much as it is possible. Our health, the health of our children, the health of our future is at stake. You can cut even more of the poisonous nitrogen oxide by cutting the "salaries" of the CEO's. No one should earn more than they deserve at the cost and health of nature. Why should New Mexico be behind industry standards rather than in step? Is our air, our health, less important? No, it isn't. Politicians are the first who should know that and enforce that knowledge into ethically sound decisions.

NM Environmental Scientist: San Juan is a dangerous and messy place, environmentally harming nearby streams and indigenous people living there. Acid rain from the smokestacks causes vehicles used at the plant to begin peeling paint within a few years. From an environmental scientist that worked at PNM.

ABQ Doctor: The northwest part of New Mexico includes parts of several Indian reservations. There are many people there who are very poor, have limited access to health care, and can't afford expensive treatments. These individuals are particularly prone to the illnesses associated with coal pollution. Do not make public health problems in New Mexico (and neighboring states) worse.

Silver City: The time is NOW to be responsible and have cleaner air.

Santa Fe: Please make sure that PNM uses the highest standards to clean up San Juan. Our kids' health depends on it.

Santa Fe Doctor: As a physician it is an obvious connection between polluted air and severe, life-threatening illness. This issue has to do with life and death and needs to be treated as such.

Santa Fe: As a resident of New Mexico I am very aware of the damage air pollution from the San Juan power plant has caused to what was once the most pristine air in the nation. Improvements are long, long, overdue.

Espanola: I am concerned that PNM is attempting to hold New Mexico back from the kind of progress Americans are seeing from utilities in other parts of the country.

Las Cruces: New Mexico should be ahead of industry standards rather than in step. Our air, our health, are more important then profits

Santa Fe: The principal reason for government is seeing to the well being of the people. That includes kids, and for that matter the rest of us, having clean air to breathe. Government must require that coal-fired power plants stop emitting pollutants that foul the air and damage the environment.

The existing regulation that requires PNM to reduce its pollution by 80 to 90% must not be compromised. We all are paying for that pollution in our health premiums because of all the adverse health effects of current toxic emissions.

PNM coal fired plants should either be cleaned up or shut down. All PNM executives should be required to live within one mile of its San Juan plant.

Albuquerque: The San Juan plant affects the health of all of us here in this area of the Southwest - young and old, Native American, Hispanic, Anglo. Is this pollution allowed to continue simply because we cannot afford to pay lobbyists huge sums to fight for us? What happened to "we the people?"

ABQ: We can do better! And with a daughter with asthma, we have to do better.

Taos: My health, your health, everyone's health is more important than profits.

Santa Fe: I am deeply concerned that PNM is lobbying to hold New Mexico back from the kind of progress Americans are seeing from utilities in other parts of the country.

While the future for energy and energy jobs in our state will clearly come from our abundant renewable options, aging coal plants like San Juan absolutely must be required to cut their toxic emissions as much as possible. I hope I can count on your support for EPA's decision to require at least 80 percent reduction in nitrogen oxides from PNM's San Juan Generating Station.

Santa Fe: Why should my beautiful little 2-year-old granddaughter and other children like her have to breath dirty air?

Albuquerque: Environmental issues affect every person on this planet. PNM needs to be held responsible for their actions and the health of the people who have to live in such close proximity to this plant. Knowing that this plant causes such serious health issues would you want to live by the planet? What if you had no choice.

Santa Fe: With energy requirements growing it is TIME for us to begin using clean energy technology. You NEED to take responsibility for our planet and the people on this Earth, and use clean air technology.

Silver City: PNM - WHEN are you going to enter the 21st Century and utilize New Mexico's vast wind and solar energy potential? We are PNM customers and tried to buy Wind Energy from you for MORE MONEY but you dropped the program.

La Plata: For years residents of this area have watched their children die of unusual cancers, only to sicken themselves with lung problems or also cancer. We are dying out here, and PNM knows that the high sulfur coal it is using causing problems--PNM has known that for years and changed nothing. PNM is infected with greed--the residents of this area are afflicted with serious health problems as a result. We need HELP!

Las Cruces: Mercury poisoning is a huge problem here in the United States and around the world. We must do something to curb the mercury pollution coming from these coal plants. Too many people are getting sick and fish are no longer safe to eat. Why would a company even want to continue poisoning its citizens?

Los Alamos: I am directly affected by this pollution and outraged about it.

Albuquerque: More wind and solar. Less coal, less pollution, fewer mining deaths. Thank you.

Santa Fe: I suffer from asthma, and am concerned about the current life threatening effects on my health.

Arroyo Seco: Please show leadership in the face of political and economic pressure. Require PNM to install effective counter-measures to pollution, even if costly. Our - yours and mine - grandchildren will benefit.

Carlsbad: It is time to do the right thing. God put us on his earth to protect it.

Santa Fe: New Mexico has outstanding clean energy resources such as wind, solar, and geothermal. The state has a huge opportunity to jump start its economy and create 1000's of jobs by building major clean energy facilities.

Further, PNM imports 20% of its energy from Arizona from the Palo Verde nuclear plant. NM could transition away from this importing of energy and build major clean energy facilities in New Mexico.

Rio Rancho: PNM should be at the forefront of the industry in implementing pollution controls. It is an investment in community health, public relations, and the future. Rather than fighting the inevitible, PNM should be setting an example for other's to follow in order to protect our health and environment, saving billions in future costs and
creating jobs in the interim.

Aztec: I have asthma, and your pollution makes it harder for me to breathe EVERY DAY. ARE you going to pay for my health care? You should because You are causing it to be worse.

ABQ: PNM sure charges us enough to provide cleaner energy

ABQ: This horrible pollution is killing us. Please do something to curtail it.

Santa Fe: When we have so many clean options for energy, Why are we still burning COAL!!! Stop destroying our planet NOW for PNM's profits!!

Albuquerque: I think PNM should use the right pollution controls at their San Juan power plant. Why should New Mexico lag behind industry standards? Is our air and our health less important? PNM needs to be required to cut their toxic emissions as much as possible. I hope that I can count on you to support the EPA's decision to require at least an 80 percent reduction in nitrogen oxides from PNM's San Juan Generating Station. Thanks for taking the time to read this.

Santa Fe: NM should be in the lead for developing clean/green energy

Santa Fe: And why is PNM dragging its feet on building wind farms? I recently travelled from Santa Fe to Carlsbad, NM, across hundreds of miles of empty, windy plains with 40-mile views to the horizon, and nary a wind turbine in sight. Even without considering the climate and health effects of extracting fossil fuels, coal and gas will become increasingly expensive, wind will not.

Taos: PNM is avoiding the real costs at San Juan- instead it is imperative that PNM begin to invest in more cost-effective alternatives.

Santa Fe: Asthma is a debilitating illness and threatens New Mexicans from the pollution from the San Juan plant. It needs to be brought in line with clean air and clean water standards. Why not???? Please take action. This level of pollution is unacceptable.

Santa Fe: We your customers deserve the best possible standards. It's important to be proactive and update your technology to achieve EPA standards.

Los Alamos: New Mexico should follow the lead of other states. Our health and air should not be compromised

ABQ: The people who live near the San Juan power plant deserve to have clean air!

SF: Carbon pollution rules create incentives for for innovation and prepare our workforce for the jobs of tomorrow. They ensure New Mexico's economic future

ABQ: PNM has been "behind the times" as ar back as I can remember. I am old enough to remember when it was run by Jerry Geist. I remember getting outrageously high utilitiy bills then reading at the same time about how much Mr. Geist and his cohorts were getting paid, while our pocket books suffered trying to keep up with our electric bills. It sounds as though things have not changed much. Isn't it time PNM joined the 21st century and started trying cultivate some more wind and solar energy? That would be good for the environment, and hopefully easier on PNM's customers pocketbooks. I hope someone at PNM actually reads this.

Santa Fe: We need to demand that we are the leaders in keeping our clean air clean!

Santa Fe: Please support clean energy in New Mexico.

Corrales: It is absurd that the health issues given to all the people living near this plant are not the first priority. This is criminal.

ABQ: Please know that the the Martinez Administration is filled with shills for the industry, and does not represent New Mexicans. Appealing the EPA BART ruling for the San Juan power plant exemplifies the Martinez Administration's lack of concern for the health, safety, and future of New Mexicans.

There's no good reason for New Mexicans to continue suffering adverse health impacts while utilities in our state choose to lag behind rather than get in step with industry-standard pollution controls.

I urge you to stand strong and to continue supporting safeguards that protect public health and our treasured environment.

Shiprock: With climate change upon us, we must do everything we can do reduce pollutants in the air. The power plants must be made to reduce emissions.

ABQ: NM needs to at least maintain its current standards. Weakening these standards is regressive. In fact, we need to move forward, making these polluter companies more accountable for the health problems they cause. My personal opinion is that they have been "babied" and patronized far too long. They reap huge profits at public expense - maybe having to pay higher fines or taxes will motivate them to develop cleaner technology - we all know they are capable of doing that - they're just too cheap and too lazy - because we have been letting them get away with it! Let's tell them "we're not going to take it anymore"!

ABQ: Our environment and beautiful landscapes are our greatest assets. Please don't let some fat cats (probably living in Switzerland, where they DO have and enforce environmental standards) ruin it for the 99%!

Las Cruces: We are proud of the beauty and awe of the state in which we live, we deserve to breathe equally pure and fresh air.

ABQ: I urge you to enforce the Clean Air Act regarding the San Juan Generating Station. PNM has had five years to make plans for this law, and they have only tried to postpone or limit their efforts for cleaner air.

We here in New Mexico are known for our clean air. As you know, New Mexico was the destination for those who suffered with tuberculosis years ago. Lately, we have seen more pollution in our air with grey skies, and we have breathed and smelled the acrid air from far away forest fires. Research shows that asthma can result from coal emissions.

We don't want to have our beautiful blue skies clouded with smog and pollution. Keep the air of the Four Corners clean. PNM can give millions in bonuses, yet shy away from doing what is right: using correct technology to reduce emissions.

Santa Fe-area doctor: PNM needs to be held to the standards that protect our health.

SF: We need to think of future generations to come & we need to provide them with clean air so that they can find better solutions.

SF: It is so discouraging to find out that PNM doesn't want to do everything possible to protect the air and water from pollution that can make people and animals sick. I am sure though that there are a few good people out there in positions of power who will make sure that protection of people and the environment comes first.

Please do everything you can to ensure PNM cleans up their act. Literally some ones life is depending on it.

Polvadera: New Mexico is a place of amazing beauty. The mountain desert is also a very fragile fragile environment. We have a responsibility to protect it. I know there are a lot of arguments for projects such as this,
jobs, need of resources, etc but this cannot come at any price. We must look at the big picture as well.

ABQ: The coal fired power plants in New Mexico have long been among the most polluting in the United States. Efficient use of resources means that all costs be included in the price of coal generated electricity. Therefore, PNM must be required to adequately control pollution from their San Juan Generating Station.

Magdalena: All human beings, including ALL AMERICANS, deserve clean, breathable air and we here in America HAVE THE ABILITY to give us just that. So there is absolutely NO EXCUSE FOR PNM to, for any reason, not give its customers CLEAN AIR, as our laws and common ethics call for. NO EXCUSES, PNM.

SF: end corporate fascism include the words in the corporate structure "make me an instrument of thy peace" the corporate structure is evil and sick containing no moral values.

Williamsburg: PNM has inflated the cost estimate of this necessary upgrade to the point of lying outright. My sympathy for this profit crazed retroactive monster of a utility has vanished! They must be made to act responsibly.

SF: It is our air, and we want it clean!

SF: PNM MUST upgrade or eliminate the San Juan Coal Fired Generating Plant!

SF: Is this what you value for your constituents? I value health for humans & the environment! Stop coal pollution from San Juan Generating Station now! Support EPA decision.

SF: As a PNM customer, I'm outraged that my dollars are going to a utility with so little sense of responsibility.

Los Lunas: As the mother of a very asthmatic little girl, I surely hope the answers to these questions are a resounding, "No!

Corrales: Don't sacrifice the health of New Mexicans for reduced pollution controls. Make PNM accountable for their deteriorating facility. Uphold the the EPA recommendations to upgrade the San Juan Generatingstation.

SF: It's past the time to take this seriously, Action is needed now. We must implement renewable, green, and healthy sources of energy

SF: As an owner of a Solar Company and instructor for solar classes at the Santa Fe Community College I can and will not support anybody with my vote who will not make every effort to keep our environment clean and healthy.

Gallup: My asthma kicked up this year after more than 10 years dormant. It does make me wonder

ABQ: When New Mexico looks like Los Angeles on a bad day - tourisms suffers.

Peralta: How much in increased heath care costs due to pollution are going to be incurred? What is wrong with these people? How much greed can we stand?

ABQ: Please support the EPA's decision to increase the pollution—control standards for the San Juan Generating Station in northwest New Mexico. I lived in New Mexico in the early 70s and subsequently in the Four Corners area of Colorado for 12 years before moving to the Northwest for 17 years. During that time in the Northwest, I carried a memory of the vivid, clear blue skies I'd left behind - but also remembered the visual air pollution that was visible from the power plants in northwest New Mexico and the political influence the owners of those lands had in New Mexico. At that time, environmental and health concerns about air pollution were always trumped by economic conditions. Sound familiar? I returned to New Mexico last year and rarely see those blue skies I had recalled; instead, we have pale blue, whitish skies on clear days. And I was disappointed (but not surprised) to find out that there are still inadequate pollution control regulations in place for the San Juan Generating Station. As a health care professional, I am very aware of the negative health effects of this air pollution. I hope political decision makers like you will support EPA's decision to require an 80% minimum reduction in nitrogen oxide emissions from this generating station. After 30-40 years of pollution, isn't it time to protect our environment and the health of your constituents?

SF: You have to see the pollution from the 4 Corners to believe it – the sky can look YELLOW in an area where deep blue skies are the norm. DON’T ALLOW PNM TO DUCK THEIR DUTY.

Veguita: After years and years of excessive air pollution from the San Juan plant run by PNM, it is long overdue that they clean up their toxic air pollution! It affects everyone in the Four Corners region! And it is a visible blight that can be seen for miles and miles around. Thank you for standing with us in ending this toxic emission problem.

ABQ: On the first space flights one of the few man made things visible was the pollution plume from the 4 corners sweeping across northern NM and then south down the Rio Grande valley. My wife got asthma at the age of 45, a large percentage of children are getting asthma-we are poisoning ourselves. We should be willing to pay the costs of delivering clean power, as it stands we are subsidizing coal by not requiring clean air for all down winders. Historically the scrubbers and other clean up technology create a large number of jobs both in the installation and maintenance of this equipment. It is a job creator and a reduction in health care costs to most of the state’s population.

ABQ: My spouse and I think that NM should not be behind industry standards...rather we should at least be instep. Better that we would be on the "cutting edge"...however!!!!

SF: Why shouldn't New Mexico be ahead of industry standards? Our health, our air and our futures depend on this. It is time to act and stop this charade.

Las Cruces: Is our air, the health of our children more important than the things that contribute to their suffering and deaths ? Wake up , act Responsibly for a change !

SF: The folks that live in the Four Corners area should not have to have their health endangered simply because they live near an outdated power plant. PNM will be plenty profitable regardless, but the health of local residents makes it imperative that this plant be upgraded.

SF: We must also acknowledge that this plant sits in the midst of another kind of valuable resource. The beauty of the western landscape, including the national parks, monuments, and wilderness areas in the region, is compromised by the air pollution created by this plant. Why should New Mexico be behind industry standards rather than in step? Is our air, our health, less important

Taos: Health and environmental protection should be your First Duty.

ABQ: While PNM has contributed to increasing awareness about energy conservation in NM through CFL distributions, etc., I would invite them to account for the economic loss caused by greenhouse gases in our atmosphere. Who will pay for the lost natural resources caused by dirty coal. We need clean energy practices to multiply.

Silver City: PNM should not be externalizing costs of its dirty coal plant. True cost accounting would include providing power AND clean air. They need to step up and be responsible to the American public.

ABQ: Some days when I go out I begin to feel very strange and then I realize it’s all up and down my torso, feeling heavy and awful. It is when we have wildfires. And I have had various unidentifiable blobs on xrays of my lungs in the past that cleared up in a few weeks. I am sensitive and have allergies. These occurrences are rare. I still consider myself a very healthy person. But is my life of no value to the coal operators. Do sensitive people not count at all. Are we expendable?

Las Cruces: As a widow and former resident of the Four Corners region, I am well aware of the Plant's negative impact on health. Why should New Mexico be behind industry standards rather than in step? Is our air, our health, less important?

Corrales: I just returned from a trip to China where, for two weeks I could hardly breathe because of the pollution from coal-powered energy. In New Mexico, we are not yet in such dire straights, but the time to insure that the "Chinese Air" does not also consume America is right now.

Los Alamos: As a person with asthma I really appreciate clean as. Please make the necessary repairs to make your plant more efficient and less polluting.

Lamy: Our clear clean desert air is a real asset. This should be the case all over the state including the Four Corners. We have the incredible resources here to make New Mexico a state that leads in clean alternative energy.

SF: PNM must be required to behave responsibly to it's customers and to provide the cleaner energy that it is entirely capable of providing. Public utilities must consider the well being of the public they serve if they are going to do business. As a member of that public I am sick and tired of the excuses and lies and self-serving justifications of their refusal to do what is right and necessary and fair. PNM needs to stop being part of the problem and face up to the future that requires clean energy and a better model of doing business.

Las Vegas: I lived in San Juan County for five years. The San Juan Power Plant is a vibrant part of the economy and produces cheap filthy coal burning electricity. In 1978 this plant was seen by astronauts from outer space it was the largest polluting plant in the world and it still is 33 years later! The pollution has caused harm to crops, water systems and livestock not to mention all the humans within hundreds of miles from the plant. We like electricity! But we need to properly filter that crap that has been polluting our environment for the last forty years! They have
made over a trillion dollars of profit over this time span and now they can pay to reduce the harm to the environment

ABQ: The United States should be at the front in pioneering new technology. There is nothing more important than having clean air to breathe. Why not create jobs that protect and enhance our country and general wellbeing? Everyone wins, especially the future generations. Don't any of these executives at PNM have children?

El Prado: When will Utility companies be required to factor in the health costs they generate from lack of necessary anti pollution measures. I am sick of stock holders and executives being honored before the American People and consumers! When will this happen???Not until money and special interests are out of the mix. Shame on all of you!

Los Lunas: Our air is very important. I have asthma and so do 3 of my pre-school students out of 20, that is a very bad ratio. We can do better with clean air

ABQ: I am one of many who know that official corruption is more important than the interests of the people, but when those interests begin to harm the people, you step into the realm of treason, where the people owe you nothing but contempt. Killing us by incremental acts is the same as warfare in the trenches. Why should New Mexico, a sunny, windy state, be trapped in the past with the rest of the country?

El Prado: Our health and our environment should not be subordinate to profits.

SF: This land we now call New Mexico is SACRED. Everybody knows it, and that's why people come here from all over the world. We must be AHEAD, in our reworking of the way we conduct ourselves on the Earth, and not BEHIND the good things the rest of the states are doing for our environment! EVEN IF IT COSTS MORE.

Gallup: New Mexico should not be behind industry standards. Our air and our health is important. Please support clean air as a legacy for our children.

SF: I'm a paying customer and have had to put up with three rate hikes in the past four years. PNM continues to make profits in the billions and can afford to implement stronger technology to reduce pollution that impacts the health, air and water in New Mexico. This is a cost of operating outdated, harmful coal fired power plants, and they should pay!

ABQ: The degree to which our governor is trying to cut back on environmental protections concerns me very much. We must push back on what she is trying to do.