Materialism is an insatiable and self-serving energy; it has no boundaries. Dancing with greed, materialists are a dangerous breed. Their egos and ethics reflect a “better-than-you” attitude. They hide in corporate circles to nourish their selfish agendas. They will hear you speak, but unless you serve their interests, they do not listen. They’ll tell you what you need and then give you the opportunity to do their dirty work. They’ve got money, and they think you can be bought. Like hungry ghosts, the more they have, the more they want.
Let me give you an example. At the Kit Carson Electric Co-op board meetings, I have witnessed censorship of all opposition to the hydrogen project.
They do not put the project on the agenda for public comment. If you express opposition, you are ghosted. I was there when they gave a cheerful man all the time in the world to stand before the public and tell the KCEC board members how great they are. Like an infomercial boosting their egos, he was allowed to go on and on until the faces on the council grew bored. But talk about hydrogen risks? Not allowed for public comment.
Today, KCEC is seeking employees, offering jobs in our community to build phase one of the hydrogen project in Questa. Remember, after Questa, KCEC has said they plan to build plants in Taos and Picuris, and this is a fact. Hundreds of acres of solar panels would need to be installed to power the hydrogen plant. The jobs offered are for the construction of the solar array. The solar array is only yards away from a Superfund site (research and learn what a Superfund site is). The installation site is downwind from a constant and unpredictable wind force that disrupts and mobilizes toxic heavy metals into the air.
I have seen many windy days where sand from the contamination site is lifted and carried north, straight into the proposed construction site and residential areas. A Superfund site is so toxic that it must be monitored for decades. Unfortunately, the Environmental Protection Agency has claimed the land is safe if it is not disturbed. Not disturbed.
We know environmental protection is at risk of being exploited and unfairly abused by corporate agendas, toxic or not — in this case, Chevron and KCEC — regardless of the risk to humans.
In these days of economic crisis, many are eager to find work. KCEC will have no problem attracting young and innocent workers. Naïve and desperate, they will take a job to make ends meet, even if it’s a dirty one. Employees who take these jobs will be working in constant exposure to airborne toxic heavy metals and will be at risk of disease and cancer.
Why do I mention this? Because nowhere on the job application is there a disclosure stating that accepting a job on this project puts you at serious health risk. It’s stated on a pack of cigarettes, and that is required by law. Maybe KCEC doesn’t think it’s necessary, or perhaps they think the opportunity will outshine the hazards. Or maybe they think no one will say or do anything about it. Are they relying on the weakness of public apathy?
The most alarming statement from KCEC is the recent impact assessment report in case the hydrogen plant explodes. But don’t worry — according to their report, you’ll be safe if you are not near it when it blows. How can they predict the unpredictable power of nature?
Last note: Why did KCEC and the Questa board members choose a contractor to install the solar array with only a 1.6-star rating? Konisto’s reviews are not good. Check for yourself.
All this makes us wonder: Do our council members listen to the public? Is KCEC no longer a co-op? Do we no longer have a voice in our investment with them?
Just asking.
Om Jaya
A voice for the silent and Concerned Citizens
