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5/1/02

What they’re saying about the the deal

SMN
This plan is the beginning of the process, not by any means the end. This will give us the moral authority to go outside the western part of the state to call for better air quality. We feel like the governor’s plan is the Canary Coalition’s plan we offered last year as an alternative. The Canary Coalition and the North Carolina Clean Air Coalition are going to maintain pressure until this bill is passed.

— Avram Friedman executive director, Canary Coalition


This announcement seems like a breakthrough. It’s something we will be supporting. The ideal solution would be a national standard.

—Brownie Newman, executive director, Western North Carolina Alliance.


Over the last decade, ozone levels have remained low and there is no indication of a worsening trend.

— Dr. Roy Cordato, John Locke Foundation, from their website.


We are going to pass a bill that reduces emissions, lung disease and asthma without increasing utility rates.

— Gov. Mike Easley, press release.


We commend Governor Easley and the leadership in the General Assembly for their work in developing this sensible and balanced plan to improve North Carolina air quality. We support this new proposal because we believe it provides a fair and efficient way to achieve our shared objective of cleaner air, reliable service and affordable rates.

— William Cavanaugh CEO Progress Energy, press release.


We think the governor has hit a home run.

— William Coley, Duke Powe president, to the Charlotte Observer.


North Carolina has 14 coal-fired plants. Virginia has only eight. If North Carolina can do it, by all means Virginia can do it.

— Jeremy Kranowitz, Southeastern Clean Air Campaign Coordinator, Izzac Walton League.


Gov. Easley and Speaker Black really spearheaded this issue.

— Nancy Thompson, Progress-CP&L spokesperson.


We really like the fact they are not telling us what to do. The plan demonstrates a very enlightened approach.

— Tom Williams, Duke Power spokesman.


I am confident we can pass this bill.

— Sen. Steve Metcalf (D-Buncombe.)