Remarks to the NC Utilities Commission

Reference: Cliffside Plant Expansion

Often, when talking about issues of faith, I will hear one of my parishioners remark: “I’m not a theologian, that’s your area pastor.” My response to that remark is always the same, “The truth is we’re all theologians.” As I prepared to speak to you today, I was tempted to begin with a similar line—to say to you—I’m a preacher, not an environmentalist. But I quickly realized my hypocrisy and reminded myself that, indeed, we are all environmentalists and as a citizen and steward of this earth it was not only my right to speak to you today but it is my responsibility.

I grew up in a small community in the foothills of Western North Carolina called Lattimore. You have no reason to know of that small community. However, you might be interested to know that Lattimore is located about 10 miles northeast of Cliffside, NC—the site of Duke Energy’s proposed coal fired power plant expansion. My father, mother, sister, 2 nieces, nephew and dozens of family members still live in those two communities.

Growing up, more than anything, I enjoyed being outside. The fresh air and the lush green landscape fed my spirit and soul. It was not uncommon on weekends for mom and dad to take me and my sister to a nearby stream (or creek as we called it) to play and catch tadpoles; or go fishing and then cook our small brim on an open campfire. Maybe, even then, we should have been concerned about the air we were breathing or what was floating in that creek where we played and caught tadpoles; or what pollutants were ingested by the fish we ate. But we didn’t. Things seem more innocent and pure then.

But today, as I think about my 7 year old nephew playing in that same creek or eating a fish out of the same pond where my father took me to catch my first fish, I worry. I worry about the air he breathes, the water he drinks and if there will continue to be a lush green landscape to feed his spirit and soul. Or will large industries who care more about profit and power rob him and his children and his grandchildren of good health, economic stability, and the beauty and enjoyment of God’s creation.

Each of you, who represent the NC Utilities Commission, is in a place of power and privilege. You have the responsibility and obligation to make moral and ethical decisions that are in the best interest of the youngest to the oldest in our state. You have the responsibility and obligation to speak against those who abuse their power and privilege and to speak up for those who have little power and no privilege. You have the responsibility and the obligation to protect our environment, our economy, and the health of every citizen even if and especially when it requires doing what may be unpopular with large power corporations that make profits selling energy. You have the responsibility and the obligation to be a leader in increasing energy reliability for North Carolina; improving public health and the environment of our state; and implementing strategies supportive of a sound North Carolina Economy. You can take a giant step in fulfilling your responsibility and obligation to the citizens of North Carolina by saying “no” to Duke Energy’s proposed coal fired power plant expansion which, if implemented, will compromise our health, threaten the stability of our economy and damage our environment.