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May 20, 2005
Beatty looks for other energy sources
By RICHARD STEPHENS
The purpose of the meeting was to determine if the community supported efforts to investigate the feasibility of alternative energy projects, specifically using the former Bullfrog Mine site as a hub and taking advantage of its infrastructure, including a major electrical transmission line. From early comments by some members of the audience, the reaction seemed negative. Beatty resident Art Ray got up in the middle of Marble's presentation and began talking and passing out anti-nuclear literature. He kept talking even when told he was out of order and should hold his remarks for the public comment portion of the program. Marble also made it clear that the projects being considered did not involve anything nuclear. Three types of alternative electricity production are being considered: solar, geothermal, and wind. Of the three, the Beatty area shows the most promise in solar and geothermal, according to Roger Hill, from Sandia Laboratory, who was present. The area favorable for solar generation is quite large, extending from Beatty down through Amargosa Valley. Some people objected to profits from such operations going to large companies rather than being kept locally. One even proposed that such a project should be required to provide locals with free electricity. Some were concerned that large tracts of land could be closed off from access for recreation. Others wanted to specify that any project should be required to hire local people as workers. Burro Inn manager and Beatty Town Advisory Board member John Bass objected to any such stipulation. "There is no workforce in Beatty," he argued, saying it would be ridiculous to place such a requirement on a company. Representing the Friends of the Beatty Airport, George Younghans asked that any project take into consideration the impact on local aviation, specifically the effects of power lines, windmills, and buildings. Commissioner Joni Eastley, who supports the project, which is only one of six pilot projects nationwide being pursued under the federal Brownfields program, sees it as a chance for Beatty to be in the front of the line. "It's where we deserve to be. It's something that won't be generating waste and spreading it around," Eastley said. Eastley also reported that someone was "scoping out" Beatty as a possible location to manufacture solar panels. This was confirmed by Beatty Chamber of Commerce secretary Sue Hackett. At the end of the discussion period, Marble asked the audience if they supported going ahead with the feasibility study, and got an overall favorable response from the crowd. He then asked if anyone was strongly opposed, and no one responded. Marble said the workshop and meeting that was originally scheduled would have to wait until someone is appointed to replace Burdette. |
