ASHEVILLE – About a dozen clean energy supporters met with Duke Energy representatives today to deliver more than 5,000 petitions from Asheville area residents who want the company to transition off of fossil fuels in the region.
The petitions, linked together to form a 100-foot long scroll, urge the company to transition from burning coal at the Asheville-area coal plant and to invest in homegrown clean energy solutions.
Carbon pollution from Duke Energy’s Asheville coal plant is the largest single contributor to climate change in Western North Carolina.
Pollution from the coal plant is also leaking into the French Broad River, says Riverkeeper Hartwell Carson, who was on hand to deliver the petitions.
“Duke’s toxic coal ash problem is another important reason why Asheville needs this plant replaced with clean energy solutions” Carson said. “The only way to permanently address toxic coal ash waste is to stop burning coal. That’s why we’re out here today, delivering the signatures of more than 5,000 Asheville residents who want real action.”