To the Editor:
A dirty fuel energy “start-up” plant is obsolete in the 21st century. Methane is a dirty fossil fuel that generates carbon dioxide (CO2). It adds to climate change, including global warming. The global effects are devastating and scary.
Using fossil fuel is like driving off a cliff because of leaking methane that threatens our communities. Are we going to wear pollution masks when plumes of soot particulates from the CPV energy plant are sent into residential areas, walking trails, fields, recreational areas, schools, playgrounds and wooded areas? Are you going to let our lives and our children’s lives be discounted?
There is 100-percent guarantee there will be leakage at the CPV energy plant. Methane is a highly energy-intensive fuel source. Methane pollution will be emitted as the result of leakage at valve points, losses during transportation and emissions from plumes.
Emissions produce ozone, sulfur dioxide, nitrogen oxides and particulate matter in the form of microscopic solids or liquids into the atmosphere. When it rains down as precipitation, it will affect human health. People with respiratory problems like asthma, COPD, bronchitis, emphysema and lung ailments will suffer, and their quality of life will be threatened. Airborne soot particulates are the deadliest form of air pollution. They penetrate deep into lungs and blood, causing DNA mutations, heart attacks, lung cancers and premature death. This gas is a dirty fuel. It is a bad and irresponsible source of energy to use in the 21st century. The CPV energy plant is and will be a burden to families, communities and their economy. This energy plant should not be built.
Connecticut’s dependency on the burning of dirty fossil fuels needs to change. We need clean and renewable energy like solar power, wind power, geo-thermal heat and bio-mass that do not emit CO2, particulate matter or nitrogen oxide into the air, causing global warming and health disorders. We need to improve the quality of life for people living in Naugatuck, Middlebury, Oxford, Southbury, Beacon Falls and Woodbury by using sustainable energy.
These alternative, sustainable, renewable, clean energy sources can help to boost Connecticut’s national image on this front. Connecticut could be the frontrunner for sustainable alternative energy. Connecticut should be looking for ways to discourage an increase in poisonous fuel emissions from the CPV energy plant and swing over to zero-carbon sources of energy like solar, hydro, wind, geothermal-heat and biomass.
Renewable, alternative, clean energy sources would help boost Connecticut’s national image on this front. Support Connecticut’s pledge for a 20/20 plan – 20 percent renewables by the year 2020.
Thank you.
Christine Yannielli
Naugatuck
Feb. 9, 2015
