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Big Stone II concerns Native Americans

Concerns about emissions, water usage and health and environmental effects from the proposed Big Stone II coal-fired generation station in northeastern South Dakota were addressed Wednesday evening during the first of two energy forums at MSCTC, Fergus Falls. The forums are hosted by students enrolled in Dr. Sue Wika’s Sociology Service Learning at MSCTC.

Speaking to about 300 people at Legacy Hall, and later answering questions, were Winona LaDuke, representing the White Earth Reservation of northern Minnesota and Minneapolis-based Honor the Earth, and Myrna Thompson of the Sisseton Wahpeton Community (Lake Traverse Reservation).

LaDuke and Thompson provided a Native American perspective on the future of energy, and Big Stone II in particular.

A second energy forum will be held Tuesday, March 25. The utility perspective about Big Stone II and energy resources for the future will be provided by Fergus Falls-based Otter Tail Power Company.

Otter Tail and its partners maintain that Big Stone II is needed and can meet stringent environmental standards in order to meet the growing energy needs of electric consumers in this area of the nation.

LaDuke and Thompson disagree with the perspective of Otter Tail Power.

“Wind energy is a far better option for the new millennium rather than building a new coal-fired generation plant,” LaDuke said. “We live in an area what many people refer to as the Saudia Arabia of wind. Tribal communities already are planning to install renewable sources such as wind turbines and solar heating panels to meet their energy needs.”

She said that wind and other renewable energy is the better option to provide electricity. At the same time, she emphasized that wind and other renewables don’t harm water, air and health.

“I’m baffled at our nation’s level of (energy) inefficiency,” LaDuke said. “Having a fossil fuel economy is the wrong approach. I’m not trying to deny Otter Tail Power Company and other electric suppliers from making profits. I’m saying they should make decisions for the future and not for the past.”

Thompson expressed concerns about water needs for the current Big Stone Plant and the proposed Big Stone II. An aquifer runs through the Lake Traverse Reservation which is close to Big Stone Plant.

“Water is sacred,” Thompson said. “The proposed Big Stone II expansion also raises concerns about mercury emissions that are carried to our land and to our people.”

She said that Native Americans are concerned about the long-term health effects of building a new coal-fired plant, and also the effects on the environment.

“Our (Native American) culture is impacted due to mercury in the fish,” Thompson said. “Our rights have not been a concern and there’s been a lack of consultation with tribal members. I feel we’re held hostage by an ill-advised energy proposal.”

LaDuke also maintains that wind energy is the better option for economic reasons, compared to coal-fired generation. Wind energy, she said, provides a better boost to local economies and provides more jobs and revenue.

“The Minnesota Public Utilities Commission (PUC) recognizes the growing effort to control carbon emissions,” LaDuke said. “Wind is the best alternative, at prices we can predict into the future.”