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Show THE ZEPHYR/ APRIL-MAY Knowing that friends like Lee miss me so much during the “off season” makes me want to race 2008 And please note that in a future issue, The Zephyr will show you the biggest eyesore between Gateway and Egnar. And it’s wrapped in “green.”...JS home as fast as I can, to the loving embrace of people who really care! As for picking on Cactus Ed...come on, Lee. That's like blaming overpopulation on the inventor of the zipper...JS “DOWNWINDER’” Part 2 “HOLD ONTO YOUR HATS!” SAYS THE REDROCK FOREST ‘GUY Dear Editor, In a meeting with our Wayne county commissioners on March 17th, several individuals in the audience (of about 25 county residents from all walks of life) spoke up with I could not have been more delighted to see that my suggestion in the Moab Times Independent last January, that ‘quiet’ recreation should come to places like the here-to- their particular concerns about the proposed coal-fired energy plant in Sigurd. The facts for unknown Abajos Mountains, in order to save them, touched off a bit of a discussion were troubling, as they reveal the mounting pressure within the coal industry to push not only from the Canyon Country Zephyr, but from a few other circles as well. For those of you who haven't been following the thread, the argument went something like: “We -hard and fast to procure permits for more traditional coal-fired plants (like the one proposed in Sevier county) before the Bush administration leaves office. Lately, ads in print need to tell the quiet recreation world about the secrets of the Abajos in order to get them and TV media have been painting “new” coal energy as “green.” These ads are aimed at to come and help us wrest the place from the bear hug resulting from the love-fest bereducing our anxieties about coal. But under today’s EPA, there’s no requirement for coal tween San Juan County and the thrillcraft industry.” In the time-honored spirit of debate I hoped to start, I would like up the ante a bit by suggesting that the question we should _ plants to use the new “clean” coal technology. The Sevier Power Company coal plant by its own data is expected to emit 5 tons of be asking ourselves not only for the Abajos, but the entire SE Utah, is unless people who toxic ash per DAY out ofa 462 foot tall smokestack, designed to release emissions high appreciate the unique and mystical attributes of such places start to come here to enjoy it, into air currents where they disperse to outlying areas, such as Wayne County. how can we encourage them to join forces with us to protect it? And if we can’t do that, The Dept. of Energy and many political leaders proclaim that “clean coal” energy, the how do we plan to fend off the real threat? kind produced by new and expensive gasification plants, should be part of our overall As an example, if you think the problems plaguing SE Utah are bad now, you may not energy portfolio. However, the Sevier County Power plant is NOT one of these. It will have heard the plans of those who want to turn our red rock canyons and high elevation use traditional pulverized-coal technology with modern “scrubbers” that do very little ecosystems into an industrial zone, such as has not been seen in these parts in the last four to clean up the pollutants. The Dept. of Energy acknowledges that even new pulverdecades. For starters, there is the proposal by an upcoming Bureau of Land Management ized coal plants that meet today’s EPA standards emit dangerously high levels of toxic (BLM) environmental impact statement to develop tar sands on lands directly adjacent to Glen Canyon Recreation Area and in the San Rafael Swell. mercury, sulfur, and high levels of carbon dioxide (CO2) that are a major contributor to The proposed area impacted global warming. One of the facts of burning coal is that mercury falls to earth in a 100 mile radius from by this development makes the map of southeast Utah West of Glen Canyon look like a shotgun blast of tar sand sites. Also, there is a proposal by the BLM to open over 800,000 acres of public lands for oil shale development just north of Canyonlands National Park that the agency admits will, a coal plant and further if itis “downwind.” And once it gets into a watershed, the effects are felt as far as that water moves downstream, as well as deep into soil and aquifers. Meetings are being held in Richfield and decisions will be forthcoming in the next few weeks. We need to have our views heard by contacting the Sevier County Commissioners Gary Mason, Ivan Cowley and Ralph Okerlund, at 150 N. Main Street, Richfield, not only, use huge amounts of water and devastate the land and water of central Utah, but will preclude the use of the land for just about every other public (and private) purpose. Not to be outdone, oil companies predict that over 500 oil and gas wells are anticipated to be developed in Grand County alone over the next 5 years. Meanwhile Grand and San _Juan counties have been opening their doors to oil and gas wastewater repositories like never before. Denver-based Running Foxes Petroleum’s CEO Steve Tedesco is so excited about this new trend that he says: “We may have a total of 100 locations over the next UT 84701. And you can “cc” to Governor Huntsman or call his office to leave a message. Sincerely, Ty Markham three or four years [in Utah]. Grand County is welcoming it.” Uranium mills to process the ore from several nearby uranium mines, which have DREAMS re-opened on Forest Service land in the La Sal and Abajos Mountains, are proposed for Paradox Valley (just across the board in Colorado) and 10 miles south of Green River. Just last week, the paper announced bid solicitations for 19 parcels of “uranium-rich federal land” in the Uravan Mineral Belt between Gateway and Egnar, Colorado which might help that area catch up to the largest underground uranium mine in country located just southeast of the Henry Mountains in Utah and for which the BLM granted an extension last fall. Where will all this uranium go? Maybe to the new nuclear power plant proposed for They know that someday we are going to understand how they steal from us. They are afraid of what we might do to them. That day is coming. That day is the beginning of the revolution. south-central Utah, of course! On January 30, 2008, Transition Power Development LLC notified the Nuclear Regulatory Commission of its intent to submit, as part of the Blue Castle Generation Project, a permit application for two nuclear ae in East-Central Utah near the town of Green River by April 2010.. I could go on (really) but I’ve run out of space. Harold Shepherd OF REVOLUTION Rich people have a hand in our wallets, but we cannot see it. It’s hidden. That’s how rich people get rich. Thats’s what capitalism is all about. Capitalism is the economic system that rich people use to steal money from workers and poor people. Rich people laugh at us. They can’t believe we haven’t caught on to their trick. . plants to be located John Cassella Denver, CO The Revolution? Maybe. But what worries me is this...when we finally “understand how they steal from us,” will we stop it? Or become just like them? JS Issues Director Red Rock Forests Yes, Harold...we all know about the threats from oil and gas and uranium. But again, the question is: Do you see any correlation between the amenities economy you want to promote.and the need for ever greater quantities of natural resources to keep the tourists coming (and staying)? Zion Canyon Native Flute School to Open bi Festival June 7-15, 2008. Tex's RIVERWAYS VVVVVVVVVVVVY Beautiful Zion National Park in Southern Utah provides the backdrop for the fourth annual Zion Canyon Art and Flute 3-D RIVER VISIONS, INC. New to this year’s program is the Zion Canyon Native Flute School June 8-12. Prior to the festival, the School is a three day intensive and the first of its kind in the nation. and Rentals Shuttle Service Jetboat Tours THIS TIME NEXT YEAR WE'RE GOING TO BE USING THIS DUDE Reasonably priced, the school has three tracks, for the newest beginner to the seasoned advanced player. Enrichment classes will address native flute history, jazz flute ASA BOAT ANCHOR and the healing flute all presented by great instructors from across the nation. You will come away with the ability to play with confidence and an understanding of rhythms, tones and improvisation. The native flute is simple to play...you don’t even half to read music! In its fourth year the art and flute festival fills the town of Springdale near the park’s south entrance with skilled native flutists carrying traditional handmade instruments and everyone else who appreciates the enchanting rhythms of the native flute. Organizers of the festival plan workshops, open-mic and concerts during the event. Those attending may browse through a variety of art, handmade flutes, crafts and food booths in the Springdale Town Center Park. Visitors may learn about flute making and playing, children can paint and learn to play a child size flute. Find your inner musician and have a vacation with music! PO Box 67 691 North 500 West | Moab, UT 84532 435.259.5101 info@texsriverways.com www.texsriverways.com Register Online at flute school: www.Zioncanyonartandflutefestival.com Canoe Outtitting 31 |
