I used to admire Bill Gates . He helped make it possible for me to connect via MSN with new-found friends around the world, all from my rural home a few years back in Graceville, MN - Big Stone County . The first internet connection I had, back in 1999, was a little keyboard unit that hooked up to my television called Webtv. The world was at my fingertips; no matter if a blizzard was raging outside or my car did not start. I was connected.

Now. Bill Gates bothers me. After almost three years with Clean Water Action SD, researching the mind boggling details behind the proposed Big Stone II 600 MW coal plant, does Bill Gates know what he is doing? Does he know that his ownership just under 9% via Cascade Investment LLC in Otter Tail Power's Big Stone Plant Unit 1 and funneling of money into Big Stone II rains down mercury to poison my grandchildren and yours? Does he know that northeast South Dakota's once pristine prairie land will now be filled with DOUBLE the toxic coal combustion, cancer causing waste? If Bill Gates doesn't know where his money is going - perhaps it's time we let him know. Eight Minnesota Legislators recently wrote to Gates offering him the opportunity to see how he could align his values with his investment. In other words, asking him why is he investing in dirty coal that poisons us when he could be investing in wind and renewable energy.  Word has it that a reply is coming.

Let Bill Gates hear from you! The world needs wind and renewable energy, not more coal. Come on Bill, be the hero everyone believes in.

William H. Gates III

One Microsoft Way

Redmond WA 98052

Phone: (425) 882-8080

Cascade Investment LLC

2365 Carillon Point

Kirkland WA 98033

Phone: (425) 803-0720