Dirty Coal is Hurting Ohio's Fishing Industry

[irishbobcat]

Did you know that the electric provider, First Energy contributes to the death of millions of fish every year? It's true, about 60 million fish and 2 billion fish eggs and larvae are killed each year and it's having a huge impact on Ohio's fishing economy.

It's time we make a strong commitment to protect Ohio's fishing economy.

About a month ago, the Ohio EPA granted a Clean Water Act Permit for First Energy's Bay Shore Plant on the mouth of the Maumee River. On Friday, the Sierra Club and several other environmental organizations legally challenged the permit to unlawfully operate the plant without cooling towers.

If First Energy were required to install cooling towers it would reduce fish-kills by 93% or more and protect the livelihoods of local fishermen. The Bay Shore fish-kills cost the local fishing economy over $29.7 million a year.

It's time we make a strong commitment to protect our economy and the livelihoods of our local fishermen by using the best technology available to reduce the fish-kills at the Bay Shore Plant.

In addition to stopping massive fish-kills, First Energy has an obligation to make investments in energy efficiency. Other utilities in the state are already doing it. For instance AEP saved its customers $23 million in 2009. With a strong commitment, First Energy customers could reap the same benefits.