Power plant resisters are fired up

Posted on by Rebecca Bowe

Who are these people, and why are they smiling? It might just be because they’ve got a plan. The Clean Energy Task Force is a branch of the activist group Mountain Voices Alliance. Since Progress Energy’s plan to construct an oil-fired power plant in Woodfin was announced, the organization has been hosting community meetings to oppose it. They’ve also gathered more than 1,000 signatures opposing the facility (get the full story in this week’s Xpress).

On Saturday, March 3, the task force will hold another planning session featuring speakers, films, information and strategies to oppose the plant; the meeting takes place at the Woodfin Community Center at 14 Penley Ave. “So many people, both in Woodfin and Buncombe County, have serious concerns about this new power plant, and the momentum for opposition continues to grow,” says organizer Linda Larsen. “We feel it is essential that folks know the details, as well as the alternatives to building the plant.”

And on Thursday, March 1, guest speaker Micheal Shore of Environmental Defense will give a free talk entitled “Utilities 101: Understanding Utilities and Utilities Reform,” at the West Asheville Library at 7 p.m. This and other events are posted on the Clean Energy Task Force website.

— Rebecca Bowe, editorial assistant

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One thought on “Power plant resisters are fired up”

  1. Bill Rhodes

    I am hoping the County Commission and Progress Energy are beginning to realize they have stirred up a hornet’s nest.

    This will not go un-fought.

    NO diesel power plant. No Way!

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