In a move that signals the start of the our clean energy future, the Environmental Protection Agency’s Environmental Appeals Board (EAB) ruled today EPA had no valid reason for refusing to limit from new coal-fired power plants the carbon dioxide emissions that cause global warming. The decision means that all new and proposed coal plants nationwide must go back and address their carbon dioxide emissions.
“Today’s decision opens the way for meaningful action to fight global warming and is a major step in bringing about a clean energy economy,” said Joanne Spalding, Sierra Club Senior Attorney who argued the case. “This is one more sign that we must begin repowering, refueling and rebuilding America.”
“The EAB rejected every Bush Administration excuse for failing to regulate the largest source of greenhouse gases in the United States. This decision gives the Obama Administration a clean slate to begin building our clean energy economy for the 21st century,” continued Spalding
The decision follows a 2007 Supreme Court ruling recognizing carbon dioxide, the principle source of global warming, is a pollutant under the federal Clean Air Act.
The film Fighting Goliath: Texas Coal Wars will be coming to South Texas the week of November 10, 2008.
On Tuesday, November 11, the film will be shown in Corpus Christi at the Progressive Center, 413 Waco St. across from the Nueces County Court House.
The screening will begin at 6:30pm.
On Wednesday, November 12, the film will be shown outside Victoria at the Reeves Ranch, on Reeves Ranch Park Rd.
The screening will begin at 7:00pm.
Following both screenings will be a panel discussion with experts and local community leaders to discuss next steps and to answer questions from the audience.
For more information stay tuned to CoalBlock.org or contact us.
You can also keep updated at the local group webpages:
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASEMedia Contacts: Anna Pierce, 214.212.1033
October 14, 2008Jill Tidman, 415.260.8438
Austin, TX—The documentary film, Fighting Goliath: Texas Coal Wars, will have its Austin premier at University of Texas, Austin’s Thompson Conference Center on Thursday, October 23, 2008. The 34-minute film screening will be followed by an open panel discussion with local politicians, energy experts, and students.
ReEnergize Texas, a UT student group, is arranging the screening as part of their Power Vote campaign.Power Vote is a national student campaign to engage political candidates on climate change by building a voting block of 1,000,000 people for clean energy.
“Our political leadership needs to understand that addressing climate change presents a great economic opportunity for Texas,” says Patrick Meaney, co-president of ReEnergize Texas. “This event will educate voters on the importance of our energy future and help them vote for clean energy candidates.”
Fighting Goliath was produced by The Redford Center at the Sundance Preserve and Austin-based Alpheus Media with the goal of boosting awareness of and engagement in the global battle against conventional coal-fired power plants.
“The heart of this film is really about issues of health, future generations and the value of our own land and resources. The film was made to support the story of the Texas coalition and their struggle against a giant power company. It is our way of giving other states and communities a model for what can happen when people take personal responsibility and get results. We want to let people know that they don't have to give up hope,” says Robert Redford, who also narrates the film.
As the nation's major coal companies are briefed by Gov. Perry at the Omni Hotel this Thursday, Environment Texas will be outside to declare that Texans do not want more dirty coal-fired power plants.
WHO:
Alejandro Savransky, Environment Texas Citizen Outreach Director Pastor Greg McDonell, Central Presbyterian Church Karen Hadden, Executive Director, Sustainable Energy & Economic Development (SEED) Coalition A number of Concerned Texas
WHERE:
Outside Omni Hotel at 8th and Brazos, Austin
WHEN:
Thursday, October 9, 8:30 - 9:30 AM
VISUALS:
Protesters chanting and holding signs with messages such as 'Coal is Dirty'
Please fill out a comments form and mail it to the TCEQ, you can copy one here.
For Immediate Release
October 3, 2008
Contacts: Karen Hadden512-797-8481
Tom “Smitty” Smith512-637-5544
Dr. Neil Carman 512-288-5772
Petroleum Coke Plant Would Add to Pollution in Corpus Christi
Public Meeting Tuesday is an Opportunity to Raise Concerns
Las Brisas Energy Center, LLC, seeks to build a power plant in Corpus Christi that would burn petroleum coke, a byproduct of refineries. The 1200 MW plant would be located on Nueces Bay on the Joe Fulton Corridor bordering the west side of the Port of Corpus Christi Bulk Terminal and would use circulating fluidized-bed technology.
A public meeting for the plant is scheduled for Tuesday, October 7th at 7 PM, and will be held at the Del Mar College Center for Economic Development, 3209 South Staples Street. Formal comments will be accepted from the public and citizens can ask questions and raise concerns.
“Pet coke is filthy,” said Tom “Smitty” Smith, Director of Public Citizen’s Texas Office, “and is the ‘bock beer’ of the refinery world, the bottom of the barrel. Burning this waste product releases a series of toxic pollutants that are hazardous to breathe and put our health at risk.”
Latest Updates 
The film Fighting Goliath: Texas Coal Wars will be coming to South Texas the week of November 10, 2008.
WHAT: 
