 Over 100 local concerned citizens gathered at the Surry Recreation Center yesterday to participate in a rally and pot luck dinner with Brian Moran. The event was organized by the Coalition to Keep Surry Clean, a grassroots group of local citizens committed to retaining Surry's rural character and its unofficial status as "God's Country."
Beth Roach, on behalf of the grassroots group, provided opening remarks, talking about the permanent damage an industrial plant such as the one proposed, could impose on the small, sleepy town of Dendron, population 300.
"Brian Moran's press conference in Surry [yesterday] was very inspiring" said Dr. Christine Llewellyn of Williamsburg, 18 miles downwind from the proposed plant. "It was so refreshing to hear in person a candidate who understands that burning coal for electricity is old technology and would not be part of our new energy mix if he becomes governor".
Brian Moran is the only candidate for Governor to oppose the new coal plant.
"It's time we get serious about a clean energy system that protects our environment and creates thousands of green energy jobs," Moran said. "We can't solve our 21st century energy challenges with 19th century fossil fuels. We need new solutions like wind and solar energy that can create jobs and won't damage our environment and risk our children's health. I'm proud to be here with local leaders in the community. Standing up for the environment isn't easy. We need to say no to a coal fired mega plant in Surry and say yes to clean renewable energy."
"The proposed site is located approximately 50 miles from two of the biggest population centers in the Commonwealth. Richmond and Hampton Roads would feel the brunt of the increased CO2 emissions, smog and coal ash," continued Moran. "Additionally, the plant would increase the pollution in the Chesapeake Bay at the same time as we are spending millions to clean up the Bay". This last remark drew a great round of applause from the crowd.
Beth in her remarks also mentioned the 14.6 million tons CO2/year produced by the Surry plant and its equivalence to the emissions of 3 million more vehicles on our roads. She mentioned plant pollution of 118 lbs mercury/year and how 1/70 teaspoon in a 25 acre lake makes the fish unsafe to eat. Betsy unfortunately forgot to mention the 176 acre fly ash dump proposed for the site.
"I think it's important for Virginia voters to know where the next governor will stand," Moran said, urging the crowd to keep up their good work. "You start to become a one issue voter," added the Coalition's Betsy Shepherd, as folks gathered up both No Coal Plant and Brian Moran yard signs following the rally.
The rally was held prior to a vote by the Dendron Town Council on an issue regarding planning jurisdiction and permitting authority between the Town of Dendron and Surry County. More information on the meeting will be posted later, along with a transcript of Beth Roach's remarks. |
