Press release
People for Clean Mountains has been established by Transylvania County residents as a grassroots organization with an immediate campaign: “Think B.I.G.” (Beyond Incinerating Garbage) to create awareness and prevent construction of the proposed trash burning incinerator in the Little River Valley of Penrose, NC.
The group’s mission is to support all community action that keeps our mountains and valleys clean while promoting responsible economic and social development for generations to come.
The People for Clean Mountains group will work through community education and discussions with local leaders to prevent the construction of a trash burning incinerator proposed in Transylvania County.
“We want our county to thrive with good jobs and businesses that don’t compromise all the things that make this place so wonderful,” says Hope Janowitz, a small business owner in the Penrose area. “I want my children to grow up in a healthy place where they can thrive.”
The new group’s focus is clean mountains, clean jobs and a clean economy.
“This could have an adverse effect on real estate sales and property values,” says local Realtor Joe Furr. “Licensed agents are required to inform potential buyers of the proposed plant. This is considered a ‘material fact’ that all potential buyers are entitled to know. Also, home sellers may be required to note this proposed facility on the NC Residential Disclosure form. We are hoping for a summer of good home sales activity, but this development could be a detriment.”
The group is working on becoming an active chapter of the Blue Ridge Environmental Defense League (BREDL). BREDL, formed in 1984 in Western North Carolina, is a non-profit organization whose founding principles include environmental democracy, social justice and community empowerment. It has 47 grassroots chapters in North Carolina, South Carolina and other southeastern states. It provides scientific research, legal and grassroots organizational advice. BREDL has been part of successful campaigns against nuclear waste dumps, medical waste incinerators and biomass plants.
For more information on People for Clean Mountains email: info@peopleforcleanmountains.org or go to www.peopleforcleanmountains.org.
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