Coal mine a bad idea

To the editor:

I’m worried about Usibelli Coal Mine Co.’s plan to dig a coal strip mine in the middle of Palmer. Not only will toxic waste and coal dust create greater potential for chronic illnesses, but loud activity and constant blasting at the mine site will blow to pieces our lives and property values in the nearby area will drastically diminish.

What will happen to my property tax bill when all of the homeowners surrounding the mine start paying less and less taxes as their value decreases? Taxpayers should not be faced with the burden of paying for Usibelli Coal Mine’s destruction of our neighborhoods, pristine environment and property values.

It would be one thing if this project were producing affordable energy for us in the Valley, but the fact is that Usibelli plans to export our coal to China and Korea. Is this even good national security policy? Why does Usibelli Coal Mine Co. want to turn the Mat-Su into a resource colony for fast-emerging superpowers overseas?

My family chose to live in the Mat-Su because we wanted freedom from the fast pace and noise of Anchorage and Outside. The Valley is a special place to call home. Putting a coal mine right in Alaskans’ back yard is just going to bring us yet another step closer to feeling and looking just like everywhere else.

Andre Ciostek

Palmer