August 4, 2008

Yesterday I flew into Tulsa, Oklahoma with Smitty and Paul Rolke and drove down to the town of Poteau for a meeting with many of the concerned environmental groups in the area. This meeting marks the start of our week-long trek through Oklahoma and Arkansas to raise awareness about two of the coal plants proposed in those states: the Shady Point II plant in Poteau, OK and the John W. Turk Jr. plant near Hope, AR.

Both plants pose a significant risk. Not only would they add to the impending climate crisis caused primarily by man-made greenhouse gas emissions, but they also threaten the health of everyone living in these two states, their ecosystems, and their economies.

The meeting in Poteau went well, and the ball has started rolling quite early on stopping the Shady Point plant. The Turk plant is farther along, and much will have to be done in a short amount of time if we are to keep this plant from causing harm to the people and the environment. Spirits are high, however, and I eagerly await the start of the film screenings in Fayetteville tomorrow night.

The beauty of Oklahoma is even greater than I had imagined, and I eagerly await seeing some of the natural areas of Arkansas. Knowing that the health of both these regions is in danger from these and other coal plants strengthens my resolve and dedication to fight these giant polluters.

Last update: 08-08-2008 14:49