Electric Slidin' For More Eco-Friendly Electricity

Power4Georgians, a coalition of ten Georgia Electric Membership Corporations (EMCs), including Jackson EMC, proposed to build an 850-megawatt dirty coal-fired power plant on a 1,200-acre site in Washington County.

If built, the Washington County plant would have a hazardous impact on Georgia’s water and air quality. To obtain water for the plant, the EMCs are proposing to build a 30-mile pipeline to the Oconee River. In addition, they plan to dig 16 wells throughout Washington County to draw from groundwater during periods of drought. The proposed plant will also emit smog-forming nitrogen oxides, mercury, soot-forming sulfur dioxide, and global warming pollutants such as carbon dioxide.

The good news is that members of electricity co-ops have a voice in how power is generated and can demand clean energy alternatives such as energy efficiency, wind, solar and biomass instead of new coal and nuclear power plants.

To that end, The Sierra Club, along with Environment Georgia and Southern Alliance for Clean Energy are holding a series of community meetings in the effected service areas to identify activists who oppose construction of the plant. There will be a community meeting for Jackson EMC members on April 24^th 6pm at the Jefferson County Library. If you have any questions specifically please visit their website at: www.cleanenergy4ga.org