Capon Valley Coalition at E-Day in Charleston
Capon Valley Coalition Steering Committee member Lynn Golemon files this report from her trip to Charleston on March 2:
The West Virginia Environmental Council hosted Environmental Day in the rotunda of the Capitol Building in Charleston on Friday, March 2. I was there to represent the Capon Valley Coalition, and there were approximately 30 other e-groups in attendance. It was truly an honor to be in the presence of so many dedicated folks who are fighting on behalf of our environment, our state and the people who love West Virginia.
A bowl of chocolates brought many folks to our Capon Valley Coalition table – enabling me to get their attention and express our concerns. There was a continually running power point show, including slides showing the beautiful, pristine West Virginia countryside, and the devastating impact of the proposed lines on our local communities. I also had an enlarged copy of the map from the Allegheny Trail site clearly showing the areas and communities affected.
I was able to speak to folks from all over the state, and in less than 4 hours, I gathered more than 50 signed petitions from busy folks passing by. Everyone I spoke with did sign a petition except those who felt they could not because of job conflicts. But even those who could not sign were very supportive. Allegheny has asked for a 12 per cent hike in rates to pay for this line - that was on the morning Charleston news.
“You can beat this power line” Chuck Wyrostok, Vice President/Outreach Coordinator told me at the end of the day. I asked how. “Just keep doing what you are doing,” was the answer.
So I suggest that we all keep doing what we are doing, don’t give up. And please ask others to join us and do what they can. And please donate to our small Coalition – expenses are piling up. And please donate to the West Virginia Environmental Council – they are doing so much for our state.