Dear Editor:
Reading the article by Diego Lopez concerning our new marijuana facility, followed by some validating research, raises a number of alarms, including the following:
1. Where will the company get the gigantic quantity of water needed? This is especially concerning since our mayor has declared water scarcity and has asked our households and city government to curtail water use. Mr. Stockwell's response to this question is vague, at best.
2. If the alleged amount of air pollution is correct, that the production of 2.2 lb of cannabis results in roughly the equivalent of the emission of three million cars, what plans does the company have in place to filter or otherwise reduce these emissions?
3. Can Bright Green's administration be trusted, considering: They owe more than $120,000 back taxes to our city; Mr. Stockwell's statement that since they have permission from the feds, there is no need to consult local government. This is a disturbing lack of consideration for community concerns.
4. Mr. Stockwell asserts that the company will train local workers for the facility but when asked if the company has allotted funds for this purpose, he says he doesn't know.
5. He claims that Bright Green has been in steady communication with the Governor's office. A representative of the governor's office denies this.
Bright Green's spokesman so far does not inspire trust regarding water use, air pollution, local employment, communication with State and local government, and financial considerations. This makes it doubtful they will do so in the future. We all desperately want economic development here but let's not allow our desperation to lead us to the wrong decision regarding how to do it.
Sincerely,
Judith Andreica
Grants