The Honorable Robert L. Ehrlich, Jr.
Governor of Maryland
State House
100 State Circle
Annapolis, MD 21401
Dear Governor Ehrlich:
I am sorry I missed you and President Bush at the Calvert Cliffs Nuclear Plant this past Wednesday. I would have certainly been there had I not made a prior commitment to attend the Maryland Firemen’s Convention in Ocean City. I appreciated the invitation from the White House.
Like you, I share President Bush’s concerns about the need for a comprehensive energy policy. His support of Calvert Cliffs, located in my district was most encouraging.
As I’m sure you know, the General Assembly enacted the Power Plant Siting Law in 1971 to establish and buy areas where power plants might be suitable.
One of these sites selected and bought by the state for $1,791,000 was the Elms property also located my district in St. Mary’s County. In view of this fact, I would like for you to make full public disclosure of any plans you or any members of your administration may have or plan to have with federal authorities about our possible use of the Elms property as a nuclear or other form of power plant. For instance, there have been reports of another nuclear reactor for Southern Maryland. Did you pose the Elms property as a possible site considering the massive amount of money the state paid for the site?
As you know, there was some confusion over a possible sale of land by the state to a prominent developer that drew some criticism because many believe discussions about the multi-million dollar proposed land sale was perceived by many as being conducted behind closed doors.
If there are plans to bring a plant to the Elms property, I believe my constituents need to have full participation in any discussion of such plans since it will have an impact on their lives for many years to come.
I appreciate your attention to this matter and look forward to your response.
June 24, 2005