Letter to the Editor

Arkansas needs cheap, clean electricity

Thursday, June 4, 2015

To the Editor,

I'm writing to share my thoughts on the proposed Plains and Eastern Clean Line transmission project. I'm writing you as a citizen of Pope County. Perhaps most importantly, I'm writing you as a grandfather in Pope County.

I understand that this project has a few people in our county upset and I know where they're coming from. See, this isn't my first go around with an infrastructure project. Many years ago, the Interstate 40 came through behind my house and separated our farm. It hurt us at the time and I was bitter about that for a long time. But I eventually realized how much it helped us for the future.

I think this project is making some of our neighbors feel like I did so many years ago. They consider the land that's been handed down for generations. The work their ancestors put into building a family legacy, but for what? so we can witness the construction of a transmission line to carry wind power? That's exactly right.

We need cheap, clean electricity in Arkansas. That's what this project will provide. The energy benefits aren't the only thing we'll receive here in Arkansas.

I've got grandchildren and I worry about their education. This project will provide a new source of revenue and help the schools here in Arkansas that are in financial distress. We should do everything we can to support the kids in our communities. I can't say not to an investment in my grandchildren's future.

I ask my neighbors, family and friends to join me in supporting this project. Let's see this thing through and watch our communities thrive from the benefits of clean energy and education investments.

Thank you,

Louis Schmoll