Nearly since the Big Stone II participants announced their intention to build a second generating unit on the Big Stone site, critics have accused us of not being candid about the project. We've heard that Big Stone II is not needed, and that it will degrade the environment.
As we've applied for the needed permits, we've tried to assure everyone that the project will be a responsible neighbor and that our customers critically need its power. Our assurances are not meant to persuade regulators -- they are genuine because we live and work here too and, just like our customers, we want a clean environment and plentiful power.
The employees of the five Big Stone II participants are everyday people. We go to work each day believing that our jobs of producing and delivering electricity are vital to our customers. We're no different than farmers, mechanics, teachers, truckers and everyone else who spends the workday producing goods and services their neighbors want and need.
And, just like everyone else, we expect our employer to be a good community citizen -- an employer who is fair to each stakeholder -- customers, employees, shareholders and the community. Personally, I do not know a single co-worker at Big Stone II who would stay with the project if she/he doubted our integrity.
The employees of the five Big Stone II utilities want a strong local economy, too, with good schools and first-rate community services. We look forward to our children having a decent chance at a fulfilling life just like we have. And, we appreciate that one of the key components to a strong economy and comfortable lifestyle is reliable, affordable power.
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But, not power at the price of a degraded environment. Why? Because, like everyone else, each of us insists on clean air and clean water. We want an environment that is not only a low risk to human health, but also one that allows us to enjoy the same outdoor activities as our neighbors -- everything from fishing and swimming to hiking and collecting maple sap.
It is for these reasons that we have designed Big Stone II to strike a balance between reliable, affordable electricity and clean surroundings. We believe that, if we are successful, we will surely leave the world in better shape than we found it.
