ADVISORY: Georgians to Address Coal Ash at Capitol Conservation Day Tomorrow
Atlanta, GA – About 150 Georgians will gather to meet with legislators at the state Capitol tomorrow for the Georgia Water Coalition’s annual Capitol Conservation Day. Citizen lobbyists will focus on the issue of coal ash, alongside other threats to Georgia’s water resources.
When: Wednesday February 15, 2017, 8am-12pm, group photo op at 10am
Where: Georgia Capitol building and Central Presbyterian Church, 201 Washington St SW, Atlanta, GA 30303
Visuals: Group photo of 150 people on Capitol steps (such as the one taken last year seen) will happen at 10am followed by small group meetings with legislators inside the building. RSVP to [email protected] or follow @cleanenergyorg on Twitter for photos you may reprint.
What: Over 150 Georgia voters are expected at the State Capitol on Wednesday, February 15, for Capitol Conservation Day.
The free event, sponsored by the Georgia Water Coalition, hosts its annual advocacy day that seeks protections for Georgia’s water. The group will first gather across the street at Central Presbyterian Church starting at 8am to hear from state legislators Rep. Jeff Jones (R-167), Rep. Debbie Buckner (D-137), and Sen. William Ligon (R-3). Leaders of the Georgia Water Coalition will also speak on particular issues that directly impact Georgia’s clean water sources this year like coal ash pollution, coastal development plans, and stream buffers. Legislation that would impede municipalities to pass plastic bag bans is also on the table.
Of significance to the Georgia Water Coalition in 2017, and what has brought together environmental groups from across the state, is the issue of coal ash pollution, a growing problem in Georgia. The coalition is rallying on Wednesday to raise awareness about the problems posed when this by-product of burning coal for electric power is stored in municipal landfills, usually in rural communities throughout the state. The coal ash also rests in so-called ponds near power plants that can leak into local water sources. Advocates want to see this hazardous waste handled properly and be ensured that it will not contaminate local communities.
The Georgia Water Coalition is comprised of over 225 partner organizations from around the state working to assure enough clean water for all Georgians. It is a non-partisan coalition whose goal for over fifteen years is to protect and care for Georgia’s surface and groundwater resources, which are essential for sustaining economic prosperity, providing clean and abundant drinking water, preserving diverse aquatic habitats for wildlife and recreation, strengthening property values, and protecting the quality of life for current and future generations.
For more information about Capitol Conservation Day, contact event partner Kate McGregor Mosley at [email protected]. More information also found at www.gawater.org.
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About Southern Alliance for Clean Energy
Founded in 1985, the Southern Alliance for Clean Energy is a nonprofit organization that promotes responsible energy choices that work to address the impacts of global climate change and ensure clean, safe, and healthy communities throughout the Southeast. Learn more at www.cleanenergy.org.