Citizens defend SC future while public servants pretend

Submitted by: Kathryn Hilton

There is a coal war in South Carolina.  A fight where a main energy provider, Santee-Cooper, our state regulatory agency, the Department of Health and Environmental Control (DHEC), and many legislators are trying to take our rights away!  We, the citizens of South Carolina will NOT stand for this injustice.  In our efforts to bring a clean energy future to South Carolina we face many hurdles, fighting in South Carolina is a difficult battle.  Things that are our God given rights as human beings are taken from us.  February 12, 2009 was no exception.

On this day many citizens from across South Carolina assembled in front of DHEC headquarters to rally for clean energy and make our regulatory board take notice of those of us opposed.

After the rally there was an appeal hearing for the Air Quality Permit DHEC granted to Santee-Cooper.  Many organizations and individuals filed appeals.  Our request was heard and we were given a chance to present our case.

I was there on this day.  I listened to both sides.  I heard the negative impacts on the environment and our health this new coal-fired power plant would bring.  I heard DHEC defending their decision and Santee-Cooper downplaying the negative effects.  I had hope the department in charge of protecting our health and environment would admit their mistake in granting an Air Quality permit to Santee-Cooper, not defend their error.  I was wrong.  Their decision was made before any of us walked into the board room that morning.   Santee-Cooper still has their Air Quality permit, concerned groups will appeal this decision in court.

This is not right!  My health and my future are important to me!  This is my call to action!  We may have lost a battle, but we will not lose the war.

I ask you all to join me in protest of this coal-fired power plant in South Carolina and for coal power everywhere.

Take a stand!  Join in solidarity and be part of this change in power.  No longer will corporations be allowed to have unlimited say in what comes and goes in our lives.  This is our home and our life, we must fight to save it, and we must do this now!