Round two of the pipeline fight

[Smita Bharti]

Dear all
This is a reminder that the DEP hearing regarding the Penn State West Campus Steam Plant's conversion from coal to gas is being held tonight, Oct 30, 8 pm at the High School. Please look at the link below for more info.
There are two sections: 6:30 pm - 8 pm presentations from DEP and Penn State.
8:00 pm - Public comments (max 5 minutes).
http://www.portal.state.pa.us/portal/server.pt/community/newsroom/14287?id=20199&typeid=1

The community members are opposing this conversion for various reasons. The most important is that Penn State has not considered renewable alternatives and has chosen to go the gas route, which is worse greenhouse gas wise than coal. Another reason is a shorter stack which will result in more radon exposure as it is released closer to ground level. Most important, the huge green house gas footprint of methane makes this conversion pointless. Once the money is spent on this dead end conversion, Penn State will not make a transition to renewables for many years.

Penn State has mentioned time and again that it is waiting for renewable technologies to mature. With Sweden producing 47% of its total energy via renewables, and Germany 25%, I am not sure what "maturing of technologies" Penn State is waiting for.

We owe a livable world to our children. It is really not a choice.

Thanks, and hope to see you there tonight. If you wish to speak, you will need to sign up before 8 pm on a sign up sheet.

Smita.

--
PhD, Engineer.
ZW-Art Mechatronics Inc.
420 South Burrowes Street
State College, PA 16801.
(814) 571-3266