It's been a while since news of a proposed hydrogen plant at the TransAlta site was reported in The Chronicle.
The hoops and joys of economic advancement were the tone of the day. However, a much more gloomy side needs to be revealed.
Power rate increases. This is a prediction and a potential reality that needs to be considered. When you consider the power needs of a $600 million plant to take electricity off the grid in a sweetheart deal, well, let's just say it creates a shortage of electricity and a bidding war of sorts.
The net effect is the power increase for local customers who rely on Bonneville.
Our governor has foisted upon us a cap and trade plan, which means if you produce carbon you pay. It means if you reduce carbon you get huge tax breaks. This is the governor of the same party as his predecessor Christine Gregoire, whose decision has already shuttered one half of our power plant and in two years will shutter the other half. Yes, that low cost power was sold in California at up to four times our rate. Their top tier, 36 cents a kilowatt.
Now, instead of reaping the benefits we will be put into a position where the power is sucked out of the grid and we would be left holding the bag.
I urge all citizens and county commissioners to fight against building this plant.
The jobs it creates are not worth each citizen of town having to pay more for power.
Wake up citizens and revolt before it is too late.
We don't need costly hydrogen power, we don't need to see our own rates rise. Tell Bill Gates to take his ideas elsewhere. Tell Inslee we won't take his foolishness.
Write your county commissioners and tell them to deny permitting.
It's not too late.
Marc Mittelstead
Centralia
