" What he felt was a key point in terms of the landmark decision was the fact that the Comisión Federal de Electricidad actually provides power to the US side during periods of high usage and/or blackouts. "There was not only an amendment to approve the permit, but to extend it," Rodriguez mentioned, "Elm Creek for instance will not be touched as it was stipulated that we could not come within a large distance from it on either side of the waterway, the state and regulatory issues are voluminous and stack up to ten feet high contrary to popular belief." The bottom line according to Rodriguez is the project will create jobs for a long period of time and will translate into $1,000,000.00 of tax dollars yearly. "The business sector was all for it as well as the Middle Rio Grande Development Council as workers will earn in the mid-to upper teens per hour, it will create 150-200 jobs and our next phase is to work with the Chamber of Commerce and the MRGDC to get applications out to prospective employees." Next in the preparation stages is to set up offices, site preparation, retention ponds, writing up contracts and making preparations to hire people. On the other hand, there lies the possibility of an appeal by the Maverick County Environmental & Public Health Association. We spoke to Martha Baxter and in another exclusive interview were enlightened to many facts which were presented to the Railroad Commission. "They have not done complete archeological studies and this had not been brought out," stated Baxter, "Underground mines will crack foundations and cause cave-ins as they will be using explosives in and around the area. The alluvial flood plain will cause chemicals to seep into Elm Creek and they never took the Elm Creek Subdivision into consideration." Blasting expert Jim Ludwiczack served as their resource on the dangers of using explosives. According to Baxter, next up will be the possibility of a rehearing for reconsideration. The decision will then be appealed before a judge and an injunction could be placed on the mine application. "North American Coal from up north will bring their workers and Dos Republicas will bring theirs too, so they can't say they are going to create jobs and their numbers continue to decrease," she said in reference to the possibility of job opportunities, "Plus we don't have enough water to run the mine. We are in what is called a drought disaster area and we cannot afford to give water to anyone, Governor Parry stated that we have to be careful with our existing water." Hydrologist and groundwater expert Dr. Lauren Ross aided the association in researching the dangers of contaminating water sources. "We want people to know that 8,100 signatures were ignored," Baxter concluded, "This is government by the people and for the people, not by the people and for foreign interests. If we want to look like Rosita and Nava that's what will happen."