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Resolution passed 4 to 1 by Madison County Commission, 07 September 2005 |
PRESS RELEASE For Immediate Release Coal-Fired Power Plant Not Welcome in Madison County Madison, FL – September 7, 2005 – The Madison County Commission overwhelmingly passed a resolution today opposing the construction of an 800-mega watt coal-fired power plant in Madison County to the cheers of concerned citizens who packed the board room. The vote was 4-1 in favor of the resolution against the coal-fired power plant, with only Commissioner Roy Ellis opposing. When the Jacksonville Electric Authority (JEA) met with Madison’s city and county leaders on July 25th to discuss their North Florida Power Project (NFPP) and the possibility of locating the plant in Madison County, concerned citizens began meeting weekly, forming a coalition called “Keep Madison Clean.” “Within 10 days of our first meeting we had over 1,000 petitions signed by citizens opposing this coal-fired power plant in Madison County,” said Jim Flournoy, the “Keep Madison Clean” spokesman. “I got involved because this is my hometown. I love to fish here. I have children and I know the dangers of coal-fired power plants. There is no good reason to welcome this plant into our county, especially since we would receive no power from it.” On Sunday, September 4, 2005, the Tallahassee Democrat’s AP article entitled “Mercury pollution a threat to kids’ ability to learn,” stated: “The EPA’s new mercury rule delays by at least 10 to 15 years protections from increased mercury emissions, which end up in rivers and oceans, fish and ultimately humans. It is too weak and does too little, too late to protect the next generation of students from the harmful health effects of mercury.” Madison’s former Mayor, Jackie Johnson, knows first-hand the hazards associated with welcoming industry into Madison that may leave more pollution than jobs. “About 30 years ago, Madison welcomed an industry that provided jobs for our citizens,” said Johnson. “When they left town, they left our wells contaminated and left tax-payers with the clean-up bill, which is still being paid to this day. A coal-fired power plant is not the answer in Madison. And, we don't believe it's the answer in Taylor County [the other site JEA is considering]. That's too close for us. Coal-fired power plants can only create further problems in the future. And as much as we want new industry that will create jobs in Madison, we must first consider the consequences of what the industry would bring to our county, along with what it would leave behind when it closes.” “More coal-fired power plants are not the answer,” said Henderson. “Coal-fired power plants are detrimental to Madison’s pristine environment and public health. We must be more progressive and teach our citizens to use alternative energy like solar power and geo-thermal. And, we must teach our citizens how to conserve energy.” Madison medical doctor, Dr. Michael Stick, said, “It [coal] makes life very difficult.” He and other local physicians have warned their patients on the harmful effects coal-fired power plants have on human lives.” “Madison County will continue to speak out against this plant,” said former Madison County Extension Agent Rudy Hammrick who recently appeared before the Tallahassee City Commissioners at a public meeting. “We’re your neighbors [Tallahassee]. Tallahassee did not want this plant and we don’t want it either. Remember the Golden Rule [don’t support this plant being built in our county, if you are not willing to build it in Leon County].” While JEA continues making offers to landowners in Madison County, the county is moving quickly to protect its land and resources. Last year, Madison County’s property values increased 12 percent, while Leon County’s only increased eight percent. Madison citizens adamantly oppose this plant in their county and will not accept the plant locating in another nearby county either. “Tallahassee citizens must vote against supporting the North Florida Power Project on the November referendum,” said Henderson. “We urge the Tallahassee City Commission to make the ballot language clear. The voters must not be confused about what they are voting for. A vote for this project could have a potentially long lasting negative impact on all of our counties for years to come.” “Keep Madison Clean” encourages concerned citizens in Tallahassee, Taylor, Madison and other counties to offer their help in defeating this municipality by working with the Clean Air Coalition (chair@cleanairpac.com or 421-VOTE) in Tallahassee to distribute information and educate Tallahassee voters. “People must be made aware of the hazards of coal-fired power plants, especially people who like to fish like I do,” said Flournoy. “This coal-fired power plant would not be a good neighbor.” “Nestle's Water U.S.A., a non-polluting company, chose Madison because of its pristine environmental resources,” said Johnson. “If Madison County allows industries with high contamination risks to locate in Madison County, we gamble unnecessarily with our future, losing the ability to attract clean industry. Our current safe and clean water supply would be in jeopardy, as well as the health of our citizens and future generations. For what? A paycheck? I don't think so! Thank you JEA, but we don't want it!” Contact:
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