Apr 5, 2014 2 min read

On March 31, the Observer-Reporter reported that Senator Solobay wants to establish a Coal-Fired Electric Generation Deactivation Commission through Senate Bill 1273. This commission would act to investigate the closure of coal-fired power plants. This is clearly an attempt to help his pro-coal campaign supporters.

Domestic coal is on the decline, and the shutdown of Hatfield’s Ferry and Mitchell was a clear statement that the companies operating coal facilities do not care at all about the local communities and economy. It is only a matter of time before we see coal mines announcing shutdowns.

If our legislators really care about the future of Greene County, they should be creating economic transition commissions instead. They should be discussing the next steps to move beyond the fossil fuel era and bringing in other economic opportunities and job training. Maybe asking their constituents what they want, instead of pandering to the companies that line their pockets, would be a good start. Time to get on the right side of history.

As a young adult living in Greene County, the sustainability of this region is critical to my ability to start a family here. Senator Solobay and his cohorts must take steps to prepare for economic transition so one day my children can enjoy living in a healthy community and not a ghost town.

Veronica Coptis

Carmichaels