Activists climb a 700-ft coal plant smokestack to denounce Bush's dirty power plan. The activists now face possible jail terms for a peaceful protest.
We believe strongly in our activists taking responsibility for
their actions and bearing fair consequences for our protests. But
in our 34-year history in the US, no Greenpeace activist has ever
been convicted of a felony resulting from a protest, because felony
charges for peaceful acts are unwarranted and go against free
speech.
Felony charges in the US are normally reserved for serious
crimes and can result in lenghty jail sentances. The usual charge
for public protest is a misdemeanour charge which our activists are
prepared to face.
Who's the real criminal?
The Hatfield's Ferry Power Station in Masontown, Pennsylvania
was under investigation by the US Justice Department for violating
the Clean Air Act - an investigation that was dropped by the Bush
administration. Having got off breaking the law, Allegheny Energy,
the owner of the Hatsfield's Ferry plant where the protest took
place, apparently would rather see peaceful individuals in jail
instead of cleaning up the plant that causes 237 premature deaths
in Southwestern Pennsylvania each year.
Allegheny seems to be more concerned with fighting activists who
are trying to move the US toward a clean and sustainable energy
future than they are with the pollution from their plant that is
causing acid rain, asthma, and global warming.
Learn why these activists decided to take
action:
"I'm here because I cannot stand by and watch the Bush
Administration take advantage of the American people anymore. Dirty
power like this coal plant is poisoning our planet and our bodies.
The American people have the right to know how damaging these
plants are and that clean energy is available now."
--Jess
"President
Bush allows dirty power plants like Hatfield's Ferry to continue to
spew out poison, which pollutes our bodies, our water and air. We
need a commitment to clean energy like solar and wind to provide us
with safe and secure energy for the future."
--Joshua
"My
family lives downwind from a number of coal plants and I'm
concerned about their health, especially the health of my two
year-old niece. America could be a world leader in reducing
emissions and consumption of natural resources if the political
will was there. The change over to clean energy could slow global
warming and the acidification of the world's oceans. As an avid
scuba diver, the continuing destruction of the world's coral reefs
is unacceptable, and this direct action expresses my concern."
--Lynn
"In
1972, my friend Chad was buried in coal sludge in a dam break in
Buffalo Creek, WV. His mother and older brother were killed by the
sludge after tossing baby Chad as far up the valley wall as
possible. When he was rescued and the sludge cleared from his
throat, he was raised by his father, a coal miner, and became known
as the "Buffalo Creek Disaster Miracle Baby." I am here to ensure a
future where families such as Chad's never have to face such
tragedy due to dirty energy."
--John
I'm
doing this because I am tired of President Bush allowing dirty
energy to kill my friends and family when there are clean energy
alternatives available. When people become informed of just how
sick President Bush is making us they will make him stop and admit
that clean energy is ready to be widely used."
--Renee
For
me, this is an opportunity to combine my concerns with the present
conditions of our environment and connect to the political state of
affairs with my photography."
--Virginia
Learn more about the protest.
Get all the dirt on Hatfield's Ferry.