Over the last few months in several diaries, I've introduced Shelia Smoot (AL 07) a candidate running for the open seat being vacated by current Congressman Artur Davis. Shelia has taken an active roll in discussion surrounding toxic coal ash being shipped through this district from Tennessee to a landfill in Perry County (the poorest county in AL-07).
The New York Times covered the Coal ash disposal controversy going on in Perry County, Alabama in their National Sunday Edition a couple of weeks ago. Here's the accompanying video:
A press release below the thread that Shelia sent out last week regarding a hearing about this issue.
On July 8, 2009 I called upon the Environmental Protection Agency (E.P.A.) and the Tennessee Valley Authority (T.V.A.) to hold a public hearing to educate and hear the concerns of the citizens of Alabama regarding the transportation and dumping of millions of tons of toxic coal ash in Perry County . These two agencies are charged with the protection of the environment and health issues with respect to the coal ash. Wednesday Night in Uniontown that public hearing was held. However, the hearing failed to produce any answers the people of Alabama deserved to hear. Furthermore, the Federal Government announced that the transportation and storage of the toxic coal ash had already begun.
I am outraged that the Federal Government would begin this process without any input or plan for the current and future safety of the citizens of Alabama !
In my letter demanding for the hearing I asked that four issues be addressed:
- What are the real risks involved in accepting the ash and the precautions being taken to combat those risks?
- What are the steps being taken to assure safe transportation and disposal of the ash?
- What are the plans for any public outreach programs that maintain lines of communication with the public and provides off set funds to benefit the entire community?
- What are the plans for future testing of the soil and water surrounding the landfill?
It is clear after the meeting last evening that neither the E.P.A. nor T.V.A. has any real answers for the citizen's of Perry County or anyone along the lines of transportation. In addition, there is clearly not a plan for any long term partnership to protect those that live in proximity to the dump site. It is concerning that a substance considered toxic in Tennessee can be harmless to transport through Alabama and stored in Perry County .
As a lifelong advocate for the "consumer," I feel and have always felt that it is the duty of our leaders to balance the benefits of jobs and business with the safety of its citizens. I understand the need for balance and the potential economic impact for Perry County . In this economy and particularly my long suffering district, I will never stand in the way of job growth. However, it our right to know the real dangers associated with the coal ash.
I am once again calling on the Federal Government to give the citizens of Alabama the unqualified assurances that future generations will not pay the price for short term economic gain. Furthermore, I want to insure the safety of those Alabamians along the path of transportation of the coal ash.
Thank you for your support!
Shelia Smoot
On Your Side
I am glad that we have a candidate for this seat that has stood on the side of consumers time and time again. This is just one instance of how people in one of the poorest districts in the Country have been neglected. If you want more information about Shelia and her campaign visit her website. She's also got an Act Blue page.