Last week, the Mississippi Public Service Commission met to discuss the cost and benefits of building a massive, dirty and expensive new lignite coal power plant and mine in Kemper County. For months, concerned citizens and groups – like the Mississippi Sierra Club, Mississippi for Affordable Energy, and, of course, GRN – have been speaking out on how the costs of this project to human health, the economy, and the environment far outweigh any potential benefits. And many of these same concerned citizens woke up before dawn on Friday morning to hop on a bus, ride to Jackson, and tell the PSC commissioners exactly that.
This proposed coal burning plant and mine will destroy or harm roughly 6,000 acres of wetlands, disturb over 40 miles of streams, release toxic chemicals like mercury into waterways, and leave nearby communities vulnerable to catastrophes akin to the recent coal ash spills in Tennessee. And Mississippi Power is asking the PSC to let them charge its ratepayers upwards of $2.4 billion dollars for this privilege before the plant is even built!
Outside of the hearing, opponents gathered to talk to the media and protest this destructive project (pictured right). You can read more about the hearing here, and if you are from Mississippi, please click here to tell your Commissioner to say NO to Kemper Coal!
Raleigh Hoke is GRN's Mississippi Organizer
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