Opposition to Projects

Several weeks ago I read a story by a Baltimore Sun reporter about two proposed energy projects in Maryland. One is for a third nuclear plant at Calvert Cliffs, on the Eastern shore of Chesapeake Bay. The locals strongly support the project. Their view is that the current nuclear plants have brought good jobs to town and pay large taxes. There is no discernible effect on the health of plant employees as well as the general population. Their case is strengthened by the large reduction in greenhouse gasses associated nuclear energy and the excellent safety record of US nuclear plants. Opposition to the new plant comes from out of town and uses the general anti-nuclear arguments. As of today the project is going ahead.

The second proposed project was a wind farm in Garrett County, the westernmost county in Maryland. The turbines would have been built on state land in this mountainous region. Here the roles were switched. Out-of-towners thought it a great idea, but the locals strongly opposed it. They argued that Garrett County is a tourist region and the towers would spoil the scenery. Also, there was opposition to chopping down trees for the project. In the end the Governor canceled the project.

My reaction was the we will never fight climate change if everybody mounts his particular hobby horse.