A RESOLUTION OF THE BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS OF WAKULLA COUNTY, FLORIDA, ADOPTING THE OPPOSITION OF A COAL-FIRED POWER PLANT TO LOCATE IN WAKULLA COUNTY, FLORIDA OR NEARBY COUNTIES; PROVIDING AN EFFECTIVE DATE.

WHEREAS, the Board of County Commissioners of Wakulla County is interested in the health and welfare of its citizens, and

WHEREAS, the Board of County Commissioners is the Governing Board which regulates the process by which an industry shall locate in Wakulla County, and

WHEREAS, coal-burning power plants are a major source of air pollution as they emit significant quantities of mercury, a potent neurotoxin that attacks the human nervous system; nitrogen and sulfur oxides and fine particulates that are especially dangerous to children and the elderly; and carbon dioxide that is linked to global warming, greenhouse gases and acid rain which damages vegetation, posing a threat to our farmlands, and

WHEREAS, according to the United States Environmental Protection Agency, coal plants are responsible for nearly 60% of PM 10 emissions (particles 10 microns or less in diameter), and

WHEREAS, The United States EPA finds the smallest of these particles, 2.5 microns or less in diameter, caused by burning fossil fuels and the chemical reactions of nitrogen oxides and sulfur dioxides emitted by coal plants, to be the most dangerous to human health, and

WHEREAS, the US Environmental Protection Agency and the Florida Department of Health have issued health advisories for every lake and river in Florida, as well as for our entire coastline, warning against eating certain types of fish because of the risks of mercury poisoning, and

WHEREAS, the Florida Medical Association has adopted policies articulating the specific health hazards of environmental mercury; and many physicians who specialize in asthma, pulmonary and pediatric medicine, as well as the American Lung Association, have issued public statements in opposition to coal-fired plants, and                                      

                

WHEREAS, the Wakulla River is as clean a river as any in Florida, there is a real danger of pollutants from Coal-Fired Power Plants damaging this important ecosystem, and

WHEREAS, past generations have enjoyed this beautiful river from its origin until its flow into the Gulf and future generations deserve no less, and

WHEREAS, Wakulla County is opposed to industries that would put the health of our citizens at risk or pose a threat to our farmlands, water bodies and beautiful, clean environment, and

WHEREAS, It is clear that the negatives far outweigh the positives in this situation,

NOW THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, by the elected Board of the County Commission of Wakulla County that this Board opposes the building of a coal-fired power plant within the environs of Wakulla County and in nearby counties.

This resolution shall become effective upon adoption by the Board of County Commissioners.

PASSED AND DULY ADOPTED, in regular session with a quorum present and voting, by the County Commission this 3rd day of October, 2005

BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSION OF THE COUNTY OF WAKULLA, FLORIDA