The story in the Feb. 13 Herald headlined “Uncertain future for Hesperus-area coal mine” was generally balanced, except the mine is not entirely responsible for the delay in obtaining a county land use permit as the article implies, nor is it “long overdue,” since the mine owners were originally told by the county that it did not require the permit in order to operate.
The King II Coal Mine near Hesperus is an important part of our community, and crucial to our region’s economic vitality. The mine has worked well with our community for many years, complying with all relevant federal and state laws and ordinances, and paying substantial taxes and royalties. It has provided local workers with well-paying jobs and benefits, and produces a commodity that improves the quality of life for millions as it is used in home-heating and in the production of cement. It is too high-grade to be used by power plants.
The mine is subject to much federal regulatory animosity, and should benefit from the county commissioners’ local knowledge. This approach is opposed to the agenda of those who would impede business without taking into account the actual human impact. Humans are important.
My family, living in a remote area, benefited when we got a coal-burning stove that had an automatic stoker so a wood fire would not have to be built every morning. I came to King Coal as a child with my dad to get coal. This improvement was possible only because coal was available. There is an element of opposition that is extreme and would like to shut down any mine, King II included. This would impact residents of the Navajo tribe as they get winter coal at the mine. The Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad runs on its coal. Cement plants in Colorado, New Mexico and Mexico depend on the King II’s high-quality, low-methane coal. The employees of the mine and all of the dependent businesses would be without a livelihood.
Let’s support the businesses and industries that have supported this community for so long.
Susan Terrill-Flint
Bayfield
