LETART FALLS — American Municipal Power-Ohio has taken issue with two opponents of their $3.25 billion power plant after what it feels are “multiple false statements” about the project allegedly made by Elisa Young of Racine and Meigs Citizen Action Now, and Sandy Buchanan, executive director of Ohio Citizen Action.

Letters to the two women sent by AMP-Ohio attorney Charles R. Saxbe were posted on OCA’s website as were the replies.

Saxbe’s letter references statements allegedly made by Young and Buchanan. Although Buchanan received a similar notice, in relation to Young, Saxbe states: “Although AMP-Ohio believes that you are aware of the false nature of statements referenced above, this letter will serve as notice to you that those statements are false and that:

AMP-Ohio has never stated that it will exceed the sulfur dioxide limits contained in its air permit to install...AMP-Ohio has never nor does it plan to distribute coal wastes on roads, driveways, or schools...AMP-Ohio continues pursuit of all necessary permits, authorizations and other approvals for construction of the American Municipal Power Generating Station and already has sufficient participation in AMPGS to proceed with its development and construction.”

In her response, Young (as did Buchanan) defended her First Amendment right to “voice my heartfelt objections to the impacts inherent to coal extraction and consumption that we are being forced to absorb on a daily basis.” As for the “false statements” Saxbe alleged, Young said she has not intentionally made any false statements and “will be glad to clear up any misunderstandings that I may have had.” Young also responded to the individual statements Saxbe referenced.

Saxbe’s letter took issue with seven statements made by Buchanan and OCA that AMP-Ohio feels are “false in nature.” Saxbe’s letter included several rebuttals including: “AMP-Ohio has never stated it plans to use coal obtained through mountaintop removal...participants in AMPGS possess certain rights of advice and control over AMPGS, including participation in the Participants’ Committee...AMPGS will employ state-of-the-art technology that will meet all current, applicable environmental standards...communities enacting ordinances to withdraw from AMPGS could not reverse such withdrawal through the mere passage of another ordinance, etc.”

Saxbe also felt that the OCA’s website continues to carry references to the “Scott Balice Strategies Report that contains, in AMP-Ohio’s view, a number of conclusions which are simply wrong.”

Buchanan addressed the statements and fired back with: “I should point out that your assertion that the statements are false does not automatically make them so. Ohio Citizen Action has no intent to make false statements, and we are certainly willing to incorporate new information into our communications.”

Buchanan also stated: “Although Ms. Young and I will make every effort to avoid false statements and provide accurate information regarding this proposal, we will not relinquish our right to question the proposed plant and we will continue to make information available.”

Buchanan added: “We will vigorously defend this right in court if necessary, including our right to call AMP-Ohio senior managers under oath regarding their plans for this plant.”

Saxbe’s letter informed both Young and Buchanan AMP-Ohio will consider any further publication of what it considers “blatantly false statements” to be “ intentional and malicious and (AMP-Ohio) will exercise its right to assert all claims available to it against you and your organization.”