February 26, 2010

Contacts:

Brian Bernhardt; ‘Power Past Coal’ Organizer; 703-439-0725; brian.bernhardt@colorado.edu

Amy Guinan, ‘Power Past Coal’ Organizer; 303-999-6374; amyguinan@yahoo.com

Tom Weis, President of Wind Power Solutions; 303-499-9648; tom@windpowersolutions.com

Denver, CO – At 11:45am on Friday, February 26th, local citizens demonstrated at the Denver headquarters of Xcel Energy – located at the corner of 17th St. and Lawrence St. – in protest of the utility’s impending plan to bring a new coal-fired power plant online in Pueblo, CO. The lunch hour protest called on Xcel executives to move Colorado in the right direction by keeping the Comanche 3 coal-fired power plant closed. Protestors demonstrated in a ‘die-in’ in front of the building’s main entrance to highlight the grim consequences that coal has on our lives and those of future generations. Simultaneously, two activists clad in hazmat suits dropped a banner off an adjoining bridge on Lawrence St. Police arrived on scene but no arrests were made.

The 750-megawatt Comanche Unit 3 would be the largest coal-fired power plant in the state, surpassing even the mammoth Cherokee coal plant in North Denver. “At a time when the costs of coal are becoming increasingly clear and the benefits of clean energy are ever more apparent, building the largest coal-fired power plant in the state is taking us 180 degrees in the wrong direction,” said Amy Guinan, an activist with Power Past Coal.

According to Xcel’s own data, the Comanche 3 plant would emit over 20 million pounds of CO2 a day, 2 pounds of mercury a week and thousands of tons of particulates and haze forming pollutants every year. The plant would also consume over 4 million gallons of water a day.

“Xcel has already wasted nearly $1 billion on this planet-destroying boondoggle. Operating it could cost ratepayers billions more. For the sake of Colorado’s children, and future generations, it is time for Xcel to pull the plug on this ill-conceived coal plant and redirect their investments towards making Colorado 100% renewable,” said Tom Weis, President of Wind Power Solutions.

Xcel has had ongoing problems bringing the plant online. While Xcel originally hoped to bring the plant into operation last fall, a variety of technical problems – currently involving a boiler pump – continue to push back its scheduled opening.

“There are a lot more than just technical problems with this new coal-fired power plant. There are serious social, economic and environmental problems. Rather than talking about a delayed opening, we should be talking about a permanent closure. Instead of building a new coal-fired plant, Xcel should be investing heavily in Colorado’s abundant solar and wind resources,” said Brian Bernhardt, an activist with Power Past Coal.

Today’s protest is part of an ongoing series of actions to move Colorado beyond coal. Sparked by the failure of elected and appointed officials to take meaningful action to move rapidly to renewable energy, the Power Past Coal campaign is building a grassroots protest effort. With the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment approving the permit-to-pollute for both the Valmont and Cherokee stations despite overwhelming public opposition, citizens are prepared to ramp up the pressure on Xcel executives, as well as Colorado politicians and regulatory agencies.

“Our leaders are failing to lead and Xcel is failing to take their responsibility seriously. Xcel should expect more protests and actions unless they start closing down coal plants and moving Colorado to 100% renewable electricity,” Kate Clark, a Power Past Coal activist.

Xcel has been challenged on multiple fronts this week. On Tuesday evening, Pueblo residents – where the new coal-fired power plant is built – raised serious concerns about high-pitched noises from the plant which are affecting people as far as nine miles away. Meanwhile, WildEarth Guardians petitioned the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency to protect clean air and the climate and overturn an air pollution permit allowing Xcel Energy to illegally pollute while operating the Pawnee coal-fired power plant.

***

*Photographs available throughout the day at:

http://www.flickr.com/photos/powerpastcoalcolorado/sets/72157623370635897/

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
November 30, 2009

Contacts:
Brian Bernhardt; CU Graduate Student; 703-439-0725; brian.bernhardt@colorado.edu
Amy Guinan, CU-INVST; 303-999-6374; amyguinan@yahoo.com

Denver, CO – This morning, approximately fifteen local citizens, representing a diverse coalition of groups, demonstrated at the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (DPHE) to demand the denial of the Cherokee coal plant’s permit to pollute. The early morning protest greeted DPHE employees as they arrived for work and called on the department to close down Cherokee. Protestors did a ‘die-in’ in front of the building’s main entrance to highlight the grim consequences that coal has on our lives and those of future generations. At the same time, other activists in hazmat suits roped off the area with “Global Warming Crime Scene’ tape and chanted against coal plants.

“The Department of Public Health and Environment needs to stand up for public health and the environment. They can do this by beginning to phase out coal-fired power plants,” said Kate Clark, a graduate student in Environmental Studies at CU-Boulder.

The DPHE’s Air Quality Control Commission (AQCC) recently held a public hearing on the Cherokee coal plant, in which citizens overwhelming called for denial of the plant’s air pollution permit. In addition, over 200 citizens turned out to express their opposition to the Valmont coal plant in Boulder this past July and over 300 participated in a protest of the plant on October 24th. Beyond that, activists, dressed in Gov. Ritter masks and clown suits, demonstrated in Denver calling on the governor to not be a ‘climate clown.’ Today’s action was meant to amplify public opposition to the Cherokee coal plant as the AQCC prepares to make a decision on the future of Cherokee in the coming weeks or months.

“The Air Quality Control Commission has an opportunity to put Colorado on the path for a clean energy future. We hope they have the courage to do the right thing,” said Amy Guinan, a student in the CU-INVST program.

Today’s protest is part of a national day of action called for by the Mobilization for Climate Justice, a coalition of some 50 environmental and human rights groups. The day of action – called N30, referring to Nov. 30 – hopes to build grassroots momentum for climate justice in the lead-up to the UN Climate Conference in Copenhagen this December. Climate justice refers to the effort to repower our world in ways that fairly distribute the burdens and benefits of energy production by promoting local solutions, sustainable technologies and democratic communities.

“For our health, our plant and our future, it is clear that we need to begin the process of decarbonizing Colorado. To do that we have to start closing down coal plants and Cherokee is the right place to start,” said Brian Bernhardt, a graduate student in Political Science at CU-Boulder.

Climate justice advocates points out that our current system of energy production places a disproportionate impact on poor people of color. Globally, those nations who have done the least to contribute to climate change bear the greatest risks from rising sea levels and droughts. Locally, the Cherokee coal plant pumps mercury and other pollutants into neighborhoods in North Denver that are 90 percent people of color.

The coalition of groups organizing N30, along with those who are organizing historic protests in Copenhagen to coincide with the conference, are demanding real action on climate change that address the root causes of the crisis and promote solutions that are far-reaching, effective and fair.

November 30th is also significant because it is the 10th anniversary of the shutdown of the World Trade Organization’s meeting in Seattle in 1999.

***

Additional Information:
*Photographs available throughout the day at:
www.flickr.com/photos/powerpastcoalcolorado/
*Information on the National Day of Action for Climate Justice:
http://www.actforclimatejustice.org/
*Key facts on the Cherokee coal plant and renewable alternatives:

• Cherokee coal plant is the second largest greenhouse gas contributor in Colorado and releases over 160 pounds of mercury and 10,000 tons of smog-forming nitrogen oxide (equivalent to 550,000 cars) every year.
• Cherokee coal plant has violated clean air laws 10,000 times in the last five years
• Approximately 63,000 people live within three miles of the coal plant; the neighborhoods closest to the coal plant are 90 percent people of color.
• Xcel has already received solar and wind energy bids which would total twice the company’s peak generating capacity – more than enough to offset Cherokee.

*** Statistics provided by Jeremy Nichols at WildEarth Guardians***
#####

Update: Four have been arrested: 2 who were locked down and 2 others. About 20 others are still at the site with banners. Pictures coming soon.

For Immediate Release

November 30, 2009

Press Contact: Liz Veazey 919-627-7324 ashevillerisingtide@gmail.com
Onsite Contact: Attila Nemecz 919-889-1261www.asheville.risingtidenorthamerica.org

Concerned citizens block shipment of generator to Cliffside Coal Plant.

Greenville, SC Two protestors have locked themselves to the 1.5 million pound generator destined for Duke Energy’s Cliffside coal plant in Rutherford County, North Carolina. Protestors are vowing to prevent the generator, which has been traveling across South Carolina on a 300 foot trailer, from reaching the coal plant. “Our nation has no choice, we must stop burning coal. The only choice that we can make is whether we do that in time to still have breathable air, drinkable water, a livable climate, and standing mountains,” said, Catherine Anne. Protestors also draped a large banner from the top of the generator reading, “Stop Cliffside.”

The controversial Cliffside coal plant would emit over 6 million tons of carbon dioxide ever year in addition to toxic levels of heavy metals such as mercury, greatly exacerbating global warming and our abysmal air quality. Duke Energy is seeking to raise electricity rates in order to pay for the construction of Cliffside at a time when record numbers of families are struggling to put food on the table due to the recession.

This act of civil disobedience comes a week before world leaders meet in Copenhagen to hash out a global climate agreement. “Any agreement made in Copenhagen will be meaningless if the US continues to build coal plants such as Cliffside. It is time to tear down coal plants, not construct new ones,” said Rachel Scarano. There are currently 43 coal plants proposed or under construction in the US, though over 100 others have been canceled due to widespread protests.

Since it was first proposed, there has been massive opposition to Cliffside. In the past year and a half over 60 people have been arrested protesting the plant, and they vow to continue the fight. “Since politicians and corporations refuse to take serious action to stop climate change, citizens must step in to shut down coal plants,” said Attila Nemecz. The protest was organized by Asheville Rising Tide and Croatan Earth First! and is part of a national day of action with dozens of protests around the country including Chicago, New York City, Washington DC, and San Francisco.

Directions to site: From I-85 in Greenville, exit onto US 25/ White Horse Rd. Go South on 25 for 2 miles. Left at Augusta Rd. Protest is .5 miles down the road on right.

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]]> http://www.beyondtalk.net/2009/11/citizens-block-shipment-of-generator-to-cliffside-coal-plant/feed/ 0 http://www.beyondtalk.net/2009/10/mountaintop-removal-protests-going-national/ http://www.beyondtalk.net/2009/10/mountaintop-removal-protests-going-national/#comments Sat, 31 Oct 2009 02:22:36 +0000 deadlyvine http://www.beyondtalk.net/?p=262

13 lock down at EPA headquarters (DC) alongside 50 Appalachian coalfield residents

Published October 30, 2009 By THE ASSOCIATED PRESS

MORGANTOWN, W.Va. (AP) — Activists with Mountain Justice, Rainforest Action Network and other groups planned protests atEnvironmental Protection Agency headquarters and across the country Friday to demand the end of mountaintop removal mining in Appalachia.

An online map showed more than two dozen planned events from California to Maine, including demonstrations at a regional EPA office in Philadelphia and a New Jersey office of JPMorgan & Chase Co., a bank environmentalists say is the biggest financier of the destructive form of strip mining.

It was the third attempt at a national protest since June, and evidence the environmentalists believe the tide is turning in their favor under the Obama administration.

”The end of mountaintop removal is almost here,” declares the Rainforest Action Network on its Web site. ”Political and financial decision-makers in New York, Washington D.C. and across the country continue to hear our message.”

Chris Hamilton, vice president of the West Virginia Coal Association, was out of the office Friday and did not immediately return a cell phone message.

Mountaintop removal is a form of strip mining that blasts apart ridge tops to expose multiple coal seams. Operators level off the peaks, then dump rock and debris into valleys, sometimes covering intermittent streams and changing the contour of the land.

Coal operators say it’s often the most efficient and sometimes the only way to get to reserves, but many people who live near the mines say they suffer unacceptable damage to the environment and their homes.

West Virginians Bo Webb and Chuck Nelson were in Washington, D.C., with at least two dozen other protesters, hoping to deliver a letter to EPA Administrator Lisa Jackson.

”I do think it’s turning in our direction. They’re starting to look at scientific evidence showing what filling in the streams and valleys does to our headwaters, to the whole ecosystem,” said Nelson, a disabled underground coal miner from Glen Daniel. ”But we need to stress to the EPA that they need to make a decision soon because the longer this goes on, the more danger they’re putting us in.”

The EPA recently revoked a permit for what could have been West Virginia’s largest mountaintop removal operation, citing ”very serious concerns” about possible Clean Water Act violations. It was the first time since 1972 the agency had used its authority to review a previously permitted project.

Two weeks ago, unruly crowds took over what were intended to be public hearings in Kentucky and West Virginia on an Army Corps of Engineers proposal to suspend or end a streamlined permitting process for mountaintop removal mines. They shouted down and intimidated the few environmentalists who showed up to support individual reviews of operations.

”As long as there’s that uncertainty, not knowing what’s going to happen, it’s going to keep causing tension in the communities and in the industry,” Nelson said. ”The threats are becoming more intense because they’re uncertain what the future holds for them.”

EPA administrators ”need to make a quick decision about what is and what is not going to be allowed.”

——

On the Net:

Rainforest Action Network: http://ran.org

W.Va. Coal Association: http://www.wvcoal.com/mountain-top-mining/what-is-moutain-top-mining .html

Mountain Justice: http://mountainjusticesummer.org/

A Victory For LA’s Air And A Victory for the Planet!
Communities for a Better Environment

Move over Al Gore, make room for some new environmental leaders – working class Latina mothers and high school youth from South East Los Angeles!

After 3 years of organizing, mobilizing, advocacy and lawsuits, CBE members in Southeast Los Angeles stopped a 943 megawatt fossil fuel power plant that would have emitted over 1.7 million pounds of toxic pollution per year as well as 2.8 million tons of greenhouse gases.

The strength of this exciting grassroots effort compelled the City of Vernon to withdraw their application for the power plant on September 28th, 2009. The was a life-and-death struggle since the power plant emissions could have caused as many as one dozen deaths every year. Since these facilities usually operate for fity years, literally hundreds of lives have been saved.

This was not only a local victory. By preventing the emission of more than 200 million tons of greenhouse gasses, the mujeres and youth made a major contrubution to the flight against global warming. They have also created a community empowerment model for teh other 22 California communities facing a similar threat of fossil fuel power plants.

In the immortal words of Cesar Chavez: Si Se Puede!