Veto Kansas coal plant

As a community of Catholic women, we had our beginnings 150 years ago in the state of Kansas. We continue strong commitments of service to the state and her people. As Kansas legislators ponder the decisions about the coal-fired plant, we wish to express our support for the decision of Gov. Kathleen Sebelius to veto the legislation connected to building new coal-fired plants.

Pope Benedict XVI, in his Word Day of Peace message on Jan. 1, 2008, wrote of the responsibility of caring for the Earth: “The technologically advanced countries are facing two pressing needs: … to reassess the high levels of consumption due to the present model of development, and to invest sufficient resources in the search for alternative sources of energy and for greater energy efficiency.”

Kansas is blessed with an abundance of two renewable energy sources: wind and sun. We trust that the gifts within the minds and hearts of our Kansas communities will find the avenues to restructure our energy sources, provide for the needs of our communities, and protect the gift of Earth.

Sister Eileen Haynes
and the Social Justice Committee of the Sisters of Charity of Leavenworth
Easton, Kan.

Comments

[PrairieVoice]

The writer says the following: "Kansas is blessed with an abundance of two renewable energy sources: wind and sun."

Well yes and no. Yes the wind blows here but it isnt constant like it is on the coasts so therefore any wind driven energy system would still need a backup. Plus windmills have numerous issues like where do you place them, the power transmission lines required, and maintenance. As for the sun, it heats things up so hence our lives require air conditioning (unless you LIKE baking in a 90 degree house or business), which then requires a power source. So peak energy needs are usually in the hottest part of the summer. That is why we need a reliable power source and unless we want to go nuclear, coal is the way to go.

[solomon]

AJ,

Just a question; Are you or have you ever been a Catholic? I'm just trying to understand why you have such a dislike for them.

[Moral City USA]

Well a veterinarian is at least a scientist which would make them a little more qaulified to recommend a particular national energy policy. We still do not understand the Church's motiviation here for this very odd alliance between church and big energy. I would bet there is some hidden agenda. NMMG may not be far off. I find it very odd.

And veterinarians dont just accept technology where its convenient and then completely disregard other technology for reasons they claim to be religious...i.e rejecting birth control. In science, the facts stand as absolutes to prove or disprove a hypothesis...whether the people (clergy or politicians) want to agree with it or not. Facts are accepted. Donations dont figure in.

I personally think the Catholic Church's policies on no birth control is more about making more Catholics than it is about honoring any directives from God.

[solomon]

AJ,

She, as a member of a commitee, voiced the opinion of that commitee. I see no reason to attack her religion because of that.

But as you have done before, you show your anti-Catholic bias. Hey, if you have a strong dislike for all things Catholic that is your business, but let me ask you this, if she were a veterinarian speaking for a commitee of veterinarians would you have even commented on the letter. (which in fact you didn't)

[Moral City USA]

Solomon, she could have written her letter on energy as a private individual. Instead she wrote it as a representative of the Catholic Church. So her faith, however it relates to energy or the technology as she refers to, becomes fair game.

[solomon]

Sister Eileen writes a good letter expressing her opinion on energy and you three ruminants attack her faith.

[Moral City USA]

How long ago was the condom invented. Too bad they cant get on board with that technology.

[Rogue]

Sister, take a break, smoke 'em if you got 'em...you know as much about energy production as you do about se.....well, ah, that is to say you don't have a clue...

[NoMoreMrNiceGuy]

Sister, God put coal and fossil fuels here for a reason. Wind power is heavily implemented already but due to the inconsistency of power generation, it is only practical to expect wind and solar to augment coal. Natural gas is also unrealiable in the capacity needed for electricity. If we use natural gas then heating gas goes up. I wonder Sister if you would change your tune if the coal fire industry were to fork over some money to your Catholic faith. Seems that is the biggest concern of the Catholic church anyway, money and control of individuals lives. Maybe the State of KS should take away your tax exempt status.