Before I wrote the piece, I researched the data so that I was sure it was correct. Nothing I stated in my piece was a mischaracterization – given what was stated in the newspaper editorial and the facts about the plant emissions and their impacts on human health and the environment.

I came into sustainable development through a business and economic avenue. I have been a sustainable development consultant to large multinationals for decades and am fully aware of the challenges facing big energy users, such as the CAP. I am also aware of the difference between sustainable water supplies and transporting water from other locations to support population growth in naturally dry areas. Now the CAP is part of the infrastructure of the state, and its reliance on a polluting power supply is unfortunate. As you seemed to state, that condition must be corrected. I agree.

You should know that I did contact the EPA about the Navajo Generating Station. My recommendation was that the agency set tight standards on emissions of hazardous pollutants. However, I recommended against the imposition of prescriptive technologies. I have always agreed with the engineers: let the community set the standards – let the engineers determine the best way to meet them.

I believe in collaborations toward the achievement of sustainable development. My editorial would not have been written if you had written your piece for the Arizona Republic instead of what appeared, a plea to fight clean air regulations to keep CAP water cheap.