Land, Waters and Endangered Wildlife Saved from Destructive Project;
Advocates Celebrate Local Community’s Successful Efforts
Today we celebrate a significant victory for the people of Chandler Mountain, for the Big Canoe Creek watershed, and for all the living things that call this special area home, including the Canoe Creek clubshell and trispot darter, both of which are federally protected under the Endangered Species Act. Alabama Power has officially abandoned its land and water grab: the proposed pumped storage project that would drastically change the character of Chandler Mountain and the nearby communities of Steele, Gallant, Rainbow City and more.
Dedicated community members worked together for months holding meetings and comment writing workshops to organize against this ill-conceived plan. Groups like Alabama Rivers Alliance, Coosa Riverkeeper, Energy Alabama, The Friends of Big Canoe Creek, the Center for Biological Diversity and Southern Environmental Law Center collaborated to support the community, and we are grateful for their tireless efforts to stop this project. By standing together and speaking up for the irreplaceable treasures of Chandler Mountain, we have proven that community members and conservation groups working together can triumph over corporate interests.
We urge Alabama Power to continue to listen to the needs of this community – and all Alabama communities – as they determine our energy future.
“We are thrilled that this vital part of the Coosa River watershed and the folks that love the area will be spared from this project. The Coosa River is a resource that provides life to so many communities and critters, and we are honored to be a part of a coalition that works to protect both the Coosa and Alabamians. The Coosa River has been a sacrifice zone for far too long, so we will continue to stand up for what is right for our waterways and our people.” – Justinn Overton, Executive Director & Staff Riverkeeper, Coosa Riverkeeper
