KFTC Members Arrested at Coal Burning Power Plant Protest in NC

by Kevin Pentz — last modified May-07-2009 12:04 PM

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After being invited by allies in North Carolina, some members of Kentuckians For The Commonwealth went to support efforts to stop Duke Energy from building the new Cliffside coal burning power plant near Charlotte. From the news reports about 300 people attended the peaceful protest and about 45 demonstrated their protest by being arrested for trespassing.

KFTC member, Mickey McCoy, being arrested at the Duke Energy proposed Cliffside coal burning power plant demonstration in Charlotte, North Carolina, 4/20/09. Photo by Melanie Smit

Groups in North Carolina (see stopcliffside.org) that planned the protest invited organizations working on stopping mountaintop removal mining in central Appalachia because North Carolina burns the second most mountaintop removal coal in the country behind Georgia. We are thankful to the groups planning the protest for helping to make the connection between mountaintop removal coal mining and global warming.

"In my first 50 years, I laid back and I thought you could write letters to congressmen and I thought you could write letters to your state legislators and get things done, well I’ve done that, and in my next 50 years, I’m going to take action, action is what it’s all about," said KFTC member Mickey McCoy of Martin County.

Representatives from Duke Energy claim that this new coal burning plant will allow an older and dirtier plant to shut down. Even if the new coal burner produces less SoX and NoX, and less mercury, there are still no plans to reduce the CO2 emissions. And it's really rate payers across the country who should be demanding energy companies move away from coal because as soon as carbon cap legislation is passed on the federal level, the price of electricity from coal will skyrocket. This is not a transitional fuel, this is a step backwards.

Anyway, you can read all about the protest and even watch KFTC members being put in handcuffs by referencing the media stories below.

Video clips:

Print news:

Pictures:

Mickey and Nina are heading home!

Posted by Lisa at April-21-2009 08:50 AM

I just spoke with Mickey and Nina on their way home to Kentucky this morning. Both of them were arrested in North Carolina for participating in the action against Duke Power's Cliffside plant. They have been through a lot, and they are fine. They were most impressed by the diversity of the group of people who took part in the action and risked arrest. It included coalfield residents from several Appalachian states, lawyers, elderly folks, young folks and people from many different backgrounds. Mickey described that he and Nina were assigned to a "host family," an older couple from Charlotte, NC. The woman they stayed with ultimately decided that she would risk arrest, too!

Thank you, Mickey and Nina, for your courage and conviction.

Genius

Posted by Ron at April-24-2009 09:06 AM

I dont understand what this was supposed to accomplish. Why protest a power company? That does nothing, and never has. I think its a great idea to build a new plant with reduced emissions. So what if it still burns coal, what do you suggest them use that is in large supply, and still cost effective? Why dont you all get together and build your own plant thats more eco friendly? How about you go with solar or wind to get off the grid? Any excess power you create gets bought by the e-company and the emission free power is distributed to other houses. If you want to take action, TAKE ACTION! Dont be a cry baby drama queen. It gets you nowhere, and brings to light why school teachers are underpaid. Act like you have some sense and they may take your degree more seriously.

Re: Genius

Posted by Toby Wilcher at April-25-2009 12:54 PM

Ron, apparently you are not paying much attention to those of us who oppose new coal-fied power plants and mountaintop removal. Most of us employ some kind of method to decrease our dependence on dirty coal-either through conservation or the use of alternative energy sources. We are not simply protesting coal; we are also encouraging investment in alternatives to fossil fuels. Our lives and well-being depend on it. Engaging in non-violent action is a valid form of action. It worked for Gandhi and his followers in their movement to win India's independence from Great Britain and for Martin Luther King and the Civil RIghts Movement. It is not, as you claim, acting like a "crybaby drama queen." You serve no useful purpose by trying to insult the McCoys' intelligence. I admire them for their willingness to stand at the forefront so our voices can be heard. In my mind, they have always been heroes, and now, even more so.

I support you mr. and mrs. mccoy

Posted by Patricia Salyers at May-07-2009 05:32 PM

Mr. and Mrs. Mccoy, what they did to you guys that day was complete injustice, and I am disgusted by the people that are trying to take away your freedom. That's not what this country is about, this country is about having the freedom to stand up for what you believe in, but it looks as if it's nothing but the goverment decieving us. fudge syciles this makes me so mad... well any way, You have my full support because you two are amazing and kind people, and brilliant teachers. Tell me what I need to do to help and I will...
Love you guys like family,
Patricia Lynn Salyers

Kentuckians For The Commonwealth

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KFTC Members Arrested at Coal Burning Power Plant Protest in NC

Mickey and Nina are heading home!

Genius

Re: Genius

I support you mr. and mrs. mccoy