TALK OF THE TOWN

2 major problems with proposed LNG facility

I am a retired UNM professor of civil engineering and a registered professional engineer. I think there are two major problems with the proposed LNG storage facility in Bernalillo County. The first problem is that the facility is poorly located. The proposed location is too close to the Albuquerque and Rio Rancho metropolitan area, the most densely populated area in New Mexico. The risk of catastrophic failure, so close to our largest cities, is unacceptable. Unavoidable natural gas leakage is also a serious health and climate concern.

The larger problem is that we should not be investing in natural gas infrastructure because natural gas is a very potent greenhouse gas — both before and after combustion. We must do all that we can to eliminate the extraction and use of natural gas. At one time, natural gas was considered a “bridge fuel.” We now know that natural gas is very bad for our climate. We must decarbonize our energy portfolio as rapidly as possible.

We now have the ability to replace natural gas infrastructure with green energy infrastructure — that is, solar, wind, transmission, and energy storage. All of our investments should support green, renewable, sustainable energy.

We know that we must halt our use of fossil fuels. The science is clear. The health, welfare and safety of the public — both current and future generations — is in our hands. Responsible leadership must guide us to a less expensive, healthier, and environmentally sound energy future.

WALTER GERSTLE Albuquerque

Let’s fix heat problem at ABQ schools

I am a speech pathologist for the Albuquerque Public Schools. I’m writing to say that I am saddened and disturbed by the absence of heat in some of the school buildings I work in.

In the International District, our students have access to a free breakfast and lunch. For some, heat at schools is the only heat they may have for the day. Without heat, it is harder for the students to learn and bridge the learning gap that COVID caused.

My question is, how is there not heat? I understand the buildings are old, but it seems to be a basic right that we provide our students in Albuquerque with an environment suited for learning. I know the parents of students at Georgia O’Keefe wouldn’t accept a frigid environment for their children. Our school is also a hub for refugees from countries like Sudan.

Let’s get this heat problem solved and get to the real task at hand, the delightful process of educating young people.

SARAH COCCIARDI Albuquerque

Journal was no-show at Air Board hearings

The recent hearings by the joint Air Quality Control Board on the Mountain View community’s proposed clean air regulation have concluded. I saw no reporting on it in Saturday morning’s Albuquerque Journal.

I daily sat through portions of the five-day hearing. Reflecting on the process, its magnitude and importance becomes more apparent. The groundwork done by the Mountain View Coalition and others, especially over the past 12 months, and the hearing itself, has great community importance.

The public comments over the course of the hearing were powerful; each was supportive of the clean air regulation. Participants, pro and con, and the board conducted themselves with dignity and professionalism, with the exception of an attempted interruption by City Councilor Dan Lewis.

It is a shame that the Journal, which has written two shrill editorials in opposition to the process and proposed regulation, is unable to recognize the importance of this hearing, even if it disagrees with the regulation. It has failed to give its readership balanced news of important events in the community.

TERRY STORCH Albuquerque

Hanson’s op-ed was worth reading

Protestors for Palestine might do well to read the op-ed by Victor Davis Hanson (Journal, Dec. 6) and learn about the history of the area. His words brought other topics to mind where positions may have been taken without adequate knowledge of the subject.

For instance, do the advocates for biological boys competing in girls’ sports spoken to teenage girls who have worked hard to excel in their sport only to find they are competing against someone who is, not necessarily more skilled, but bigger and stronger?

Have advocates for abortion for any reason at any time ever listened to former abortion doctors describe how abortions are performed or to scientists and doctors who say human life begins at conception?

There is a need for an informed citizenry, but it is so much easier to just accept the biggest headline or the loudest voice over the air. Dr. Hanson’s op-ed reminds us it’s important to do some research before forming opinions.

MARY LOMBARDO Albuquerque

Thank you Somos Unidos Foundation

I just watched “The World According to Football.” It’s a great Showtime documentary from Trevor Noah exposing (soccer) pay for play here in the U.S. making it expensive and inaccessible for poor communities and children, as opposed to being a game that everyone can play for free in the streets, open fields and do everywhere else in countries the world over.

Episode 2 highlights the positive message of New Mexico United and the spirit of its Somos Unidos Foundation in their dedication to bringing and making soccer accessible for all of New Mexico’s young people, the community and people before profits.

Thank you, New Mexico United, Somos Unidos Foundation, and David Estrada. I can’t wait to cheer on our United again in 2024 and finally in their new home at the Balloon Fiesta Park Stadium.

BOB NUCHOW Albuquerque

What Hamas can learn from past wars

Those who ignore the mistakes of the past are doomed to repeat them. In the Civil War, Gen. Sherman attacked and leveled Atlanta. He then turned east toward the coast in his historic “march to the sea.” On the way, he destroyed everything in his path.

When he reached the coast at Savannah, the people there surrendered, and Savannah escaped the war intact with no … destruction of property. In World War II, Paris was spared, but Berlin was leveled because the Germans would not surrender. In the Israeli- Hamas war, the obvious way to spare infrastructure and civilian lives would be for Hamas to surrender. This is the lesson from the past.

The toll on civilian lives is deplorable. … Unfortunately, the Palestinian people are the ones suffering the most. The Hamas leaders are willing to sacrifice their people rather than give up. The lessons of the past could save many lives if only the Hamas would listen.

JOEL SALAND Albuquerque

NM families need PFML; invest in families

When my son Silas was diagnosed with leukemia in June 2022, I was willing to do anything to help him. In my family’s case, that meant quitting my job and moving three hours away from Las Cruces to Albuquerque so I could be with him during his initial first month of treatment and traveling constantly from then on out.

Watching my child endure cancer was agonizing enough. Becoming a one-income family overnight only added to our stress.

Every day, New Mexicans face heart-wrenching decisions about whether to prioritize their jobs or their health. As a state, we can do better for our families. That’s why I’m urging our state lawmakers to pass comprehensive Paid Family and Medical Leave that supports the needs of all New Mexicans and rightfully acknowledges the unique dynamics of multi-generational families in our state.

Paid family leave helps cancer patients and others facing serious medical conditions pursue treatment without worrying about whether they’ll lose their job. It also enables caregivers to be there for sick or injured family members in their time of need.

Supporting comprehensive PFML sends a powerful message: we stand by caregivers, value the vital role they play in our communities, and recognize that they shouldn’t have to choose between their income and caring for their loved ones. Now is the time to put families first. Let’s not wait another year to finally invest in families and make PFML a reality.

ERIKA KELLY Las Cruces