The Era recently ran a two-part interview with state Sen. Chris Dush. The truth is usually near the middle. But, on the issue of solar panels and the integrity of electronic voting machines, Dush is nowhere near the middle.

Dush argues against solar panels because they create disposable biohazards. His evidence is the existence of wastes in China from using rare earth elements to manufacture solar panels. Any manufacturing operation will create waste. This fact emphasizes the need for environmental regulations enforced by the federal Environmental Protection Agency and the state Department of Environmental Protection.

At this time China has little concern for pollution regulations, and that is a problem for people of China and eventually to the entire world. But to insinuate that solar panels would create a dangerous biohazard for residents of Pennsylvania is extreme.

I urge everyone to Google “Little Blue Run Lake.” Little Blue Run Lake is a 1,900-acre reservoir (visible from space) in Beaver County that contains wastes from the burning and mining of coal. When this impoundment gives way, it will send tons of coal wastes down the Ohio River and it will certainly rank as one of the great environmental disasters in the history of the United States.

Dush appears to be more concerned about wastes from solar panel manufacturing than from a dangerous biohazard that exists in our own backyard. The challenge of utilizing coal in an environmentally responsible manner is infinitely more challenging than dealing with biohazards from solar panels.

The issue of electronic voting machines incorrectly counting ballots has been investigated on the federal and state levels countless times. Dush did not name the voting machine companies. Perhaps he does not want his name added to the multimillion dollar lawsuits that have been levied against those that have fraudulently claimed that the voting machines were rigged.

His statement on this matter is totally irresponsible.

Peter Palumbo

Bradford