Published in The Times-Tribune, Scranton, Pa.: September 8, 2015

Editor: Along with dozens of familiar faces from Jessup, I was in the audience last week for the state Department of Environmental Protection session on Invenergy’s proposed air quality permit, and what I heard from the staff members was reassuring. They made it crystal clear that this plant will meet and exceed air quality standards and Invenergy will be held accountable for doing so.

DEP representatives said air quality standards are designed to protect our health and environment and I heard that some of these standards are stricter than those of the federal Environmental Protection Agency. For me, the facts were clear: DEP has reviewed this project and found that it meets all air quality requirements. It will replace dirty coal plants, to boot.

Sadly, a group of vocal, apparently professional activists — some who said they travel from community to community to protest — came only to grandstand and hurl insults at DEP staff. I fail to see how that could be helpful.

We need less shouting, less grandstanding and more facts. I, for one, am glad DEP came and provided them.

JEFF ADDLEY
JESSUP