Feb 13 - McClatchy-Tribune Regional News - Judy Fahys The Salt Lake Tribune


Jim Kennon hoisted an oxygen tank with him as he trudged forward to address the Utah Supreme Court more than a year ago as part of his battle with regulators and energy executives over a proposed coal-fired power plant in Sevier Valley.

Now, with his health declining rapidly, Kennon has been making arrangements lately for the future of the power-plant fight without him.

"It's going to leave an empty spot, unfortunately," he said.

Kennon's liver and lungs are failing. His wife of nearly 49 years, Carolyn, said Thursday that he had already outlived the doctor's prognosis by two days. Troubled by "bad breathing" when the couple retired to Koosharem, she was the inspiration for her husband's activism and the now-active group that sprouted out of it, Sevier Citizens for Clean Air and Water.

 As recently as last spring, Kennon was determined to outlive plans for the plant, a 270-megawatt generator that opponents complained would belch pollution into the farming valley and put 80 coal and lime trucks on local roads every day.

"Do I wish it was over? Yeah," said the former firefighter and school teacher back in May. "A lot of people wish it was over."

That was before the Supreme Court in December ruled in favor of power-plant opponents, partly based on assertions by nonattorney Kennon, and fellow power-plant opponent Dick Cumiskey, that the Utah Division of Air Quality had used a Post-it Note to extend the plant's license

rather than undertaking the in-depth review required by state law.

Cumiskey, also a retiree, has talked with Kennon on the phone daily in the past few weeks and drops by every few days. They have been strategizing as they try to anticipate the next move by power-plant advocates.

"There's still a lot of unfinished business, unfortunately," Cumiskey said.

On Wednesday, the Utah Valley Sierra Forum dropped by Kennon's home to present the duo with its Earth Stewardship Award for efforts "to help the earth and greater good of all."

"It's really moving," said Kennon, who has been fielding calls all week from supporters.

The Forum's Jim Westwater said the award has been in the works for a while.

"They have been able to keep the air quality in the valley at a reasonably healthful level and they have largely prevailed," Westwater said. "This [work by Kennon, Cumisky and the Sevier Citizens] is extraordinary. This is exemplary."

Not too long ago, Kennon opted for hospice care rather than a liver transplant that might give him more time. Ever since, his home has been filled nonstop with family and friends.

Neighbors drop by with food. He has all but finalized his own funeral arrangements. The only thing that's not exactly in order is what happens next in the power plant fight. He's a bit uneasy about not being able to see the battle through to its conclusion.

"I pushed myself to the very end," he said Thursday. "It has just been a great experience."

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