By: Al Tomson, Mayor, Town of Davis
I want to respond to the claim that there isn’t enough information about Fundamental Data’s proposed power plant. The truth is—we do have enough. There are clear, well-documented facts showing that natural gas and diesel power plants pose serious risks to human health.
Natural gas is often called a “cleaner” fossil fuel, but that doesn’t mean it’s clean. It still pollutes. And diesel? It’s one of the dirtiest fuels out there. According to the permit, they plan to burn diesel 30% of the time—that’s nearly a third of the year using a fuel we know is highly toxic.
Take a look at page 34 of the permit. These aren’t estimates—these are the company’s own numbers for expected emissions per year:
- 99 tons of Nitrogen Oxides (NOₓ): That’s 198,000 pounds! Nitrogen Oxides inflame lungs and worsen asthma and bronchitis.
- 71 tons each of Particular Matter 10 microns or less and PM2.5: Fine particles from diesel that lodge deep in the lungs and bloodstream—linked to heart attacks, strokes, lung disease, and cancer. The World Health Organization classifies diesel exhaust as a known carcinogen.
- 59 tons of Sulfur Dioxide: A well-known asthma trigger and respiratory irritant.
- 44 tons of Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs): Toxic chemicals that can damage the liver and increase cancer risk.
- 56 tons of Carbon Monoxide: Blocks oxygen to the heart and brain—especially dangerous for those with heart disease.
- 9 tons of Hazardous Air Pollutants: Including benzene and formaldehyde, both strongly linked to cancer.
And these pollutants don’t just stay near the plant. Due to our terrain, wind patterns, and wintertime inversions, they will likely settle in lower-lying communities—like Davis, Thomas, and Canaan Valley.
More asthma. More ER visits. More long-term illness. Possibly more early deaths. And our most vulnerable—children, older adults, people with preexisting conditions—will suffer the most. One in five residents here is over 65.
Let me ask this plainly: Would you want your family living next to this plant? People living near these power plants are more likely to experience the direct effects of emissions. What about your grandkids? Would you send them to Davis-Thomas Elementary School, knowing the risks of concentrated emissions?
So, is it just about the money and jobs? I get it, but not at the risk of people’s health. There is not enough money to justify that kind of trade-off. It’s about people’s lives. As elected officials, it is our responsibility to protect public health. The science is clear. The emissions data is in the permit. This is not a gray area—it’s a documented threat.
There is enough information to say no.
I’ll end with a line from the West Point Cadet Prayer:
“[God], make us choose the harder right instead of the easier wrong.”
This is one of those moments. Please—do the right thing. Decide with your heart and your conscience. Say no to this power plant.
Thank you.
Al Tomson Mayor, Town of Davis
