Paul Chodak III of Southwestern Electric Power Co. says that having to respond to repeated environmental challenges is slowing the company's pursuit of its goals.

He says he also gets frustrated at being characterized as leading a project that would harm natural habitat. He has an environmental engineering degree, and considers himself an environmentalist. He says it offends him when people think the company is just out for corporate profits.

An appeal of the air permit for the 600-watt plant resulted in an order to halt construction, but SWEPCO was granted a reprieve and construction has started again at the site. Meanwhile, the appeal is pending before an administrative law judge. SWEPCO hopes to complete the plant in four years.

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