Desert Messenger

February 15, 2012

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February 15, 2012 Tribes question solar tower "Quartzsite is in the center of one of the most sacred areas in the world and this is why we need to protect it from all this destruction. We, the natives, have an obligation to protect Mother Earth and not the capitalistic society that are sponsoring these solar projects," said Alfredo Acosta Figueroa of La Cuna de Aztlan Sacred Sites Protection Circle, a Native American cultural protection group based in Blythe, Calif. Local Tribal members met with gov- ernment agencies and Quartzsite Solar Energy representatives in a meeting of February 2, 2012 that took place at the Quartzsite Town Hall. According to Figueroa, it was the third and most im- portant meeting, because it was the first time representatives from the five Col- orado River Reservations were present and expressed their objections to the solar project. Tribal representatives gave a presentation of the sacred sites that will be destroyed if the Quartzsite Solar project is constructed. Figueroa, said, "As we all know, these projects will only destroy sacred sites and pristine desert environment and wildlife. For this reason, it is impor- tant to let the general public know so that they can help stop the construc- tion of these projects." Quartzsite Solar Energy, LLC, a sub- sidiary of SolarReserve, LLC, proposes to construct a 100-megawatt solar- powered electrical generation facility in La Paz County, Arizona. The project is proposed on 1,675 acres of BLM- administered land 10 miles north of Quartzsite and adjacent to Arizona www.DesertMessenger.com State Route 95. The proposed project would use con- centrating solar "power tower" tech- nology to capture the sun's heat to make steam, which would power tra- ditional steam turbine generators. The solar power facility would include a 653-foot tower, which would be the receiver of energy reflected from so- lar fields. The solar fields are made up of heliostats, which are a collection of mirrors. The project would also include a thermal energy storage system. After the presentation by Steve Trom- ly, of Western Area Power Administra- tion (WAPA) and the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) directors from Phoenix and Yuma Arizona Field offic- es, tribal members took an onsite tour of the Quartzsite Solar Energy Project. During the company's presentation at the site, members of Fort Mojave ex- pressed their concern against the pro- posed project and the destruction that will take place if it is not stopped. Afterwards the group toured the Bouse Fisherman site that, for the Mojave, represents Mastumho and Kumastumho; for the Quechan, Ocean Women; for the Chemehuevi and Tlaloc, for the Mexica. The tribal members explained the meaning of the Bouse Fisherman geoglyph, the importance of its location and how it is interrelated with many other sacred sites up and down the Colorado River. Figueroa explained, "The proposed solar site is located in the middle of what is called the Omeyocan Diamond, which in the Aztec language means 'Place of the Two Hearts'". FOR USED RV‛s, 5th Wheel & CASH Bumper Pull Trailers Call Steve 480-363-8025 SILVER OR GOLD (until you see Michael for a quote!) Please call DON'T SELL YOUR 602-956-2720 Located in Quartzsite. I BUY COINS AND JEWELRY. Because this is not my primary business, I PAY MORE! LOCK & KEY Betty Crenshaw CML Owner C & B 37 Years Experience 928-927-6589 MOBILE SERVICE ONLY RVs Autos Residential Commercial Bonded - Insured BLM Approved Serving Quartzsite and Surrounding Areas Brighter Days Headhunters II "The Best Little Hairhouse" in Quartzsite! 511 E. Main Street, Quartzsite Across from Beall's Stylists: Wilma, Linda, Lois "Where getting your hair done is fun!" Cuts - Styles - Perms Colors - Walk-ins- Early Appointments 928-927-3543 TOWN COUNCIL for Quartzsite Paid for by Starr BearCat, PO Box 3185, Quartzsite, AZ 85359 Email: electstarrbearcat@yahoo.com Ahead! Page 7

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