Victory in Holyoke, MA: A Major Step Forward to Plan for Mt. Tom Coal Plant’s Retirement

Posted by Megan Stokes on

 

Perched between the western bank of the Connecticut River and the Mount Tom mountain range in Western Massachusetts, the Mount Tom coal plant is one of the oldest and dirtiest coal plants in Massachusetts.  While it remains one of the biggest polluters in Massachusetts, many don’t even realize it still burns coal today.

Local residents, however, face childhood asthma rates double the rest of the commonwealth, and a river depleted of fish after numerous plant violations. Recognizing they are on the front lines in the fight against coal pollution, local activists formed Action for a Healthy Holyoke, a coalition of grassroots activists and organizations.. Toxics Action Center Community Organizer Claire Miller has worked to support the local effort, providing the organizing training needed to be get results.

After just a few months of our organizing, the Holyoke City Council voted unanimously to form a citizen advisory group to study and plan ahead for redevelopment of the coal plant site.

“This is a huge step forward,” said Miller.  “Holyoke is sending a message about thinking ahead to a new green economy and planning for a healthier future where the city works proactively to bring in jobs that are good for the community.”

Jane Andresen, a Holyoke resident and leader of the local coalition, spoke at the City Council meeting on October 18^th, saying “When the coal plant was built a half-century ago, no one was looking at the long-term ramifications of coal-fired energy generation.  We can now enter a new era in energy production—one that takes the whole picture into account.  We can develop energy solutions that promote health and sustainability, while also providing jobs and revenue for our city.”

At Toxics Action Center, we know that in order to retire polluting coal plants, the community leaders who are breathing the air every day must be organized and savvy when it comes to making their voices heard. Following this victory last fall, Toxics Action Center helped pull together residents from all three coal “host” communities across the state to learn from one another and begin talking about a coordinated state effort. We will keep you posted about our work to move beyond coal!  

 

Full text of the city council resolution can be found here: http://www.sierraclub.org/coal/ma/downloads/HolyokeReuseResolution.pdf