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<br />appearing before the appropriate state agencies, presenting testimony and studies from <br />experts, and making legal arguments. If there is good evidence that these plants don't <br />meet state and federal environmental standards, then we believe the Commissioners <br />should consider it. We believe that the TCEQ is the right forum for this debate. <br /> <br />Many of the Coalition's members have engaged and will continue to engage in dialogue <br />with the power companies. Ideally, these issues would be resolved by agreement among <br />the companies and the local governments who are the representatives of the people of <br />Texas. But in the event that we are not able to resolve these issues among ourselves, we <br />must have a seat at the table where the decisions will be made, just as the power <br />companies have seats at the table. <br /> <br />Why are you intervening now, instead of engaging in a discussion with the power <br />companies? <br /> <br />We are engaging in discussion with power companies and will continue to do so. We are <br />open to sitting down with them and coming up with a solution that is good for everyone. <br />Up to now, most of the power companies have not expressed a willingness to even <br />discuss altering their plans. But our invitation remains open. <br /> <br />As for intervening now, the permit process is on a "fast track" review. This means that <br />the decision will be made on these permits in the next several months. If the permits are <br />granted and upheld on appeal, there is nothing to stop the plants from being built. For all <br />practical purposes, the debate on these plants will then be over. <br /> <br />Would TCEQ issue the permits if it weren't safe for the public? <br /> <br />We are optimistic that the Commissioners will ultimately make the right decision on <br />these permit applications. We appreciate the work that TCEQ does. We respect their <br />professionalism and expertise. We just want to be a part of the process and be able to <br />present evidence that might not otherwise be considered. <br /> <br />For example, the permit applicants are not being required to run comprehensive air <br />modeling studies to show the impact that these plants could have on Dallas / Fort-Worth <br />and other areas of Texas. We want to do those studies and present them to the TCEQ to <br />consider. If the studies show that the plants will cause or contribute to violations of <br />federal air pollution standards, then the units as proposed should not go forward, and we <br />should work together to find a better way to meet Texas's energy needs. <br /> <br />9 <br />