By OM JAYA
Kit Carson Electric’s (KCEC) massive hydrogen plant in Questa is being pushed forward against public dissent, and at the risk of environmental impact and the health and safety of our community. This hydrogen plant threatens the beauty of Questa forever.
KCEC has used clever advertising to sway public opinion. They publish articles on why it is good for you to support them, their tone is of concern for public interest, but when asked for environmental, health and safety assessments, they often reply unrealistically. As our community wakes up to this undeveloped proposal, push back is rapidly increasing and the community’s questions of concern are not being fully answered. Luis Reyes of KCEC tells us everything’s in order and shows no legal proof and the mayor of Questa, John Ortega remains silent. The latest statement from KCEC is the most alarming, that they have done an impact study in the event that the hydrogen plant explodes. An explosion impact report looks good on paper, but how can we predict the unpredictable power of nature? KCEC is not respecting the voice of their cooperation but instead acting like a capitalist group.
Why is KCEC so desperate to begin this project?
The best laid plans of mice and men is an expression to signify, despite careful planning, projects can still fail and cause grief. Big promises often lead to big problems. Nationally the list of industrial disasters (all approved by the EPA and USDA) is rapidly growing and let’s not forget the Chevron/Molycorp mine in Questa, years after its closure, tragic truths continue to surface. Guilty companies back out of harmful projects after they’ve taken enough resources and their stockholders are satisfied. These capital groups make promises to restore and balance the land they’ve destroyed and always fall short of their commitments. While capital groups make millions, a few locals earn well, but the environmental destruction is done, and serious health issues emerge. The shadow of dishonest corporations and soft-handed representatives linger forever.
And now we are faced again with a potential Mice and Men story.
The construction of hundreds of acres of solar panels in our backyard has already begun. Large trucks contracted by the company Konesto discreetly deliver building materials during the odd hours of the night. Waking local residents at 3 a.m.
This pilot (pilot meaning experimental) has rightfully been upsetting local and national citizens who have taken the time to research and uncover the fact that this solar array and hydrogen facility will be negatively influenced by the extremely toxic tailings dumped years ago from the Chevron/Molycorp mine. These toxic tailings are hidden from view by rolling hills that the elk once but no longer roam. This proposed hydrogen plant and solar array will scar the Village of Questa forever. ( yes I intentionally repeated the word forever).
We are the ones we have been waiting for, so let’s step up and protect our rights to have influence on the land we live and love. Worldwide, alternative clean methods of creating and storing energy are rapidly being developed and hydrogen continues to propose challenges. KCEC needs to imagine a back-to-the-land picture of Taos and not support one of corporate industrial takeover. Getting back to the land is not a fantasy, it’s a necessity. We don’t need an eye sore dinosaur (hydrogen plant) that will become obsolete while it is breaking down. A construction mistake like this will not weaken but will challenge the spirit of our people and discolor Questa’s already tarnished past.
But, there is hope. A new wave of conscious and vibrant awareness is rising in Taos County. One of regeneration and revival. A vision of returning to community, local culture, foods and arts, one of giving rights back to the land and taking responsibility for its uses. Lets nourish the nature we are famous for, not stress it with thousands of solar panels and hydrogen plants.
What if our children and their children and the elk and eagle could speak.
Will they have to fight for the health and safety of their lives and the protection of the environment, and will their cries fall on deaf ears?
No, we as concerned citizens won’t let that happen.