Post columnist Cathy Wilson is right. The proposed AMP-Ohio coal plant in Meigs County is not a form of 'advanced energy.' In fact, I would argue no form of coal is advanced energy. In addition to the $30 million low interest loan the state of Ohio could be giving AMP-Ohio for building this plant, the Ohio Department of Development is considering granting $5 million to AMP-Ohio. That money could be going to fund dirty, exploitive, near-sighted coal.
Or it could not. How can we stop it? Well, there are things you can do right now. You can call or e-mail Mark Barbash, the Interim Director of the Ohio Department of Development (mark.barbash@development.ohio.gov or 614-644-0571). Tell Mr. Barbash that $5 million is better invested in real clean energy. Let the ODD know that this plant will not employ that many local people. In fact, AMP-Ohio has sought state funding to build 'temporary housing' for its workers, which seems odd when you realize locals do not need temporary housing - they live there. Tell ODD that this plant will add to pollution in the area, which is already causing serious problems for people in this region (such as higher rates of asthma than any other part of the state and the life expectancy for men in Meigs County is the lowest in the state).
To learn more and find more ways you can stop the state funding of this coal plant, and in turn the coal plant itself, visit stopamp.org. We all live on this planet together, and whether you are a permanent Southeastern Ohio resident or you'll be gone in a few years, this coal plant needs to be stopped. You can stop it.
Molly Shea is a junior studying
environmental geography.
4 Opinion
