To the editor:
The W.H. Sammis Plant in Stratton started producing electricity in 1960, one of the largest coal-fired power facilities in Ohio. At full production capacity, the plant powered thousands of homes and businesses. When air pollution emission controls were needed, $1.3 billion was spent there to keep America's skies clean.
It is beyond any facet of my imagination that a shutdown of all moving machinery will happen and the doors will close, and all will walk away between March 14 and July 15. The many awesome and talented employees, including mechanical maintenance, operations, results and electrical department will no longer have jobs. The company's employees and retirees have spent countless hours and dedicated their lives to this plant. Not to mention, the facility will be demolished after the closing.
But this is not the first of the demolitions. The Toronto coal-fired plant was closed and demolished. The R.E. Burger coal-powered plant in Shadyside was closed and demolished and the Bruce Mansfield coal-fired plant in Shippingport, Pa., was closed, never to generate electricity again.
The irony of all of this is that our so-called politicians believe there is no need for fossil fuel-powered generating stations. Many American states will experience power outages with the loss of these fossil fuel generating stations. The sale of electric cars and trucks has doubled during the past year. The borders of the United States have been crossed by millions of immigrants who have been coming to America for a new life. Will they use electricity?
What are we learning or what aren't we understanding? If our present government officials are governing and in charge, into the days ahead, I hope the nightlight stays on.
W.H. Sammis, you always will be in our hearts.
Norman Winstel
Toronto