Recently, PennEnvironment released a study called the “Dirty Dozen” — the top 12 air polluters in Pennsylvania. You might expect the list to be dominated by old, inefficient coke plants or coal industries. Nope! Five of the 12 are modern gas-fired power plants.

Is this surprising?

For years, residents of Elizabeth Township and West Newton have rallied against the proposed Allegheny Energy Center by Invenergy, which would be a gas-fired power plant run by an out-of-state company. The industry has tried to convince the people of Westmoreland County and Allegheny County (which already receives an “F” for air quality from the American Lung Association) that its power plant will be clean and safe.

Unfortunately, we don’t need to speculate. The Tenaska “Westmoreland Generating Station” lies about 8 miles away from the Invenergy site. It is a similar gas-fired power plant — and it landed on the “Dirty Dozen” list. The Lackawanna Power Plant, which is operated by Invenergy itself, made the list, too.

We live with these facilities. We know what they do. Say no to the Invener­gy power plant and follow the public appeal hearing.

James Cato

Point Breeze

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