<< Back 5/1/02 We must maintain vigilance for clean air SMN Gov. Mike Easley has announced that an agreement has been reached on S1078, the Healthy Air Bill (aka Clean Smokestacks) that keeps the original standards intact and will result in no rate increase for electrical consumers. This agreement meets all of the criteria advocated by the Canary Coalition, and we heartily endorse this breakthrough. If the bill passes both state houses in this form, as the governor expects, it will set a high standard and give North Carolina the necessary moral standing to demand that neighboring states take similar actions to curb their power plants that are polluting our air. While this pronouncement by the governor is very promising, we can’t yet take it for granted that S1078 is an accomplished fact. The legislature doesn’t convene until May 28. The bill still has to go through the roller coaster process of passing through committees and coming to the floor of the House and the Senate for a successful vote of approval. It is of the utmost importance that the governor and state legislature hear a roar of public approval for this plan. It’s more important than ever that we maintain our letter writing and petition campaign. It’s essential that we have heavy participation in public events like the Clean Air Vigils at Pack Square on May 10-11 in Asheville, and in Raleigh on May 28-29, until the legislation is passed in both the N.C. Senate and House of Representatives and is signed by the governor into law. It’s also important to realize that even if S1078 passes as expected in this legislative session, it is not the end of our fight for clean air in the mountains of Western North Carolina. It’s only a successful beginning. The battle continues on the federal level and in other states where power plants continue to emit nitrogen oxides, sulfur dioxide and mercury that drift into the mountains, rivers and coastal regions of North Carolina. If S1078 passes, our state can be proud of the fact that our will was heeded in a democratic process. We will have learned that we are not powerless. Our voices count. Our actions are effective. Let’s carry this empowerment and moral authority to the next level and finally clear the air in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, the Appalachian region and the U.S. But first let’s get S1078 passed. If you haven’t joined this effort, now is the time. Avram Friedman, Executive Director, The Canary Coalition For information on how to get involved in the Canary Coalition, visit the website at www.canarycoalition.org, or call toll free 1.866.4CANARY.