Doctors Come Out Against Las Brisas

On Nov. 6th, a press conference was held by nearly 20 members of the Nueces County Medical Society, outside of the Las Brisas coal plant hearings at the Del Mar College Center for Economic Development.

Although physicians tend to avoid political issues, NCMS officials oppose the plant for health reasons.

“The types of matter coming out of this plant,” said cardiologist, Dr. Gregg Silverman, “will increase the risk of cardiovascular disease.”
“We believe that with this,” he added, “there will also be an increase in deaths.”
“Corpus Christi already has the highest percentage of birth defects,” said Dr. Wesley Stafford, visiting medical professor at Driscoll Children’s Hospital, “and we believe that this is due to having so many power plants.”
“No one in Corpus Christi,” Stafford said, “will be further than 15 miles from Las Brisas.”
Las Brisas, believes Dr. John McKeever, would be by far the most pollutant power plant in Corpus Christi yet.
“The total combined pollution of our seven existing power plants,” McKeever said, “would be a little less than the total particulate contamination of the Las Brisas Power Plant.”
The hearing to determine the plant’s outcome is scheduled to continue through Nov. 13.