Local Struggles for Environmental Justice in the Midwest

I saw an amazing panel yesterday about some different local struggles and their connections to global climate change. Two of the most affecting:
Elisa Young, a 7th generation Appalacian, is part of Meigs Citizens Action Now. She talks about the coal-fired power plants in her area and how they are affecting so many people’s health. She’s had cancer herself and has lost friends and neighbors to a range of other cancers thought to be caused by close proximity to so much CO2 emissions. Some tests estimate that folks in the area are being exposed to 341 million pounds of sulfur dioxide a year–unprecedented and highly dangerous levels. Young’s own family has deep roots in the coal industry, but she says it’s time to get real. New plants are planned, which would bring nine power plants in a ten mile radius.Young says: “There’s a lot of denial involved. How do you admit that your job is going to kill you? That your job is going to give your kids learning disabilities? You have to put on those blinders so you don’t go insane.”
Then Lee Sprague talks about how the Little River Band of the Ottowa Indians are also being affected by coal-fired power plants. He introduces himself: “I am a member of the former majority. I am from the territories, currently occupied by Michigan and parts of Canada.” He’s part of Clean Energy Now. He says that the levels of mercury in women in his area are more than twice that of women in other parts of the country. He shows a picture of his little son, who was in the hospital for quite awhile because of breathing problems, thought to be connected to the power plants in the area. If you live in Michigan, definitely check out their work. They have lots of easy ways to get involved immediately. Check out this inspiring video of a young activist, Lee’s daughter!, speaking at a rally: