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Be Reactive

1. Know the process of coal plant permitting. While the process varies depending on the coal plant, most plants must go through four major steps before they are able to build. A proposed coal plant needs an air permit, a water permit, an environmental impact statement and a plan for transmission. Each of these steps is important in the permitting process, but public involvement is most encouraged and easiest with the environmental impact statement. For more information about

1. Air permitting: See the EPA’s The Plain English Guide to the Clean Air Act
2. Water permitting: See the Army Corps of Engineers’Regulatory Program: Value to the Nation
3. Environmental Impact Statements: See Basic Information about NEPA
4. Transmission lines: See A Citizen’s Guide to the FERC Electric Transmission Facilities Process

2. Form a coalition. It is important to have a core team to work with in fighting the development of big coal. Reach out to your friends, family and neighbors. Coal plants do not just affect a minority – they affect all of us, including parents, teachers, farmers, anglers and other groups. For basic help on organizing a group or event, see the Grassroots Guide to Effective Organizing , published by Citizens for Public Power.
3. Follow the progress of the plant closely. A proposed coal plant must go through many stages of approval in the government, and during each of these stages, there are usually specified times that the public can comment. Work with your local government entity on each of the permits needed. You may find a friend at one of the agencies!
4. Submit comments on the Draft Environmental Impact Statement. All new proposals are required to publish an analysis of the effect that the coal plant will have on the environment. Often, these analyses are grossly inaccurate and misrepresent the truth about the true impact of the plant.
5. Attend public hearings about the proposed plant. These hearings are available for public education as well as comments and questions. Attending and speaking at the hearings is a good way to voice your concerns about coal development. Instead of making generalized remarks, try to ask specific questions and explain why coal plants are negatively affecting your life directly, e.g. you can no longer fish in your favorite lake because of mercury concerns. For more information, see How Coal Plants Affect You.
6. Stay positive and do not give up. It can be frustrating to be an activist, and sometimes the victories seem few and far between. Just remember that the work you are doing is important locally, nationally and globally and it is extremely important to protect the environment in which we live. Maintain connections within your group between campaigns and with other activist groups in order to foster a support network.