Rev. Lowery Leads Environment Demonstration Saturday in Shell Bluff

The Rev. Dr. Joseph E. Lowery spoke Saturday about the issues currently affecting the people in Shell Bluff, the region surrounding Georgia Power's Plant Vogtle, according to a news release from Georgia WAND (Women's Action for New Directions).

Many local residents from the rural Shell Bluff community in Burke County and over 60 people from the Atlanta area who arrived via bus attended the meeting, called by the Georgia Coalition for the People's Agenda and Georgia WAND.

Dr. Lowery is well-known advocate for environmental justice issues. In a statement for the organization he founded, Georgia Coalition for the People’s Agenda, he said, “The disproportionate impact and siting environmental hazards in and near communities of color is well documented. This pattern persists and we work with local communities to help ensure enforcement of environmental regulations protective of human health and the environment.”   

Dr. Lowery also took time to hear concerns from local citizens during the event, which included a community lunch, meeting and tour of the area. 

Rev. Charles Utley, Blue Ridge Environmental Defense League’s Environmental Justice Coordinator, said, “We are very pleased to have Dr. Lowery here today.  His wisdom and his experience are like a guiding star for the residents of Shell Bluff.” Rev. Utley reminded the assembly of the Japanese nuclear meltdown and added, “After the disaster that took place in March, all Americans should be asking the question: Why should we be investing in such a dangerous adventure when there are other alternatives?”

Bobbie Paul, executive director of Georgia WAND, spoke of the need for unity, saying, “ALL Georgians will be affected and should be concerned because no nuclear reactor is safe. Fukushima has taught us that the unthinkable can happen so now is the time to stop this nuclear madness before it stops us.” 

Georgia WAND is organizing a series of meetings like the one in Shell Bluff regarding environmental justice in Georgia including the effects of nuclear power expansion.