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November 14, 2009

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Letter: Coal-fired plants would harm parks

Thursday, Aug. 2, 2007 | 7:57 a.m.

The National Parks Conservation Association commends Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid for his opposition to the proposed coal-fired power plants near Great Basin National Park in Nevada.

More than 150 new coal-fired power plants are proposed across the country. If built, they will massively increase global warming emissions and air pollution in the parks. Air pollution degrades the health, habitat, horizons and heritage protected by national parks.

Great Basin National Park is a treasure belonging to the American people. The significant views of the Snake Valley and Spring Valley basins are an integral part of the Great Basin experience and the high Great Basin desert hosts lush streams and springs and an amazing diversity of plant and animal life. The combined air pollution from the 1,500-megawatt Sierra Pacific plant near Ely and the 1,600-megawatt LS Power plant in White Pine County would threaten the ground water, lakes, wildlife and scenic values within Great Basin National Park.

Sen. Reid is putting the brakes on dirty coal-fired power plants and other polluters now, so that the next generation of Americans will be able to enjoy the natural and historical treasures protected by our national parks.

Ron Sundergill, San Francisco

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