WHEREAS, the Glades Power Park (GPP) is a coal-fired power plant proposed by Florida Power and Light for a location in Moore Haven, Glades County, Florida; and

WHEREAS, the proposed placement of the GPP borders Fisheating Creek Wildlife Management Area, Lake Okeechobee, Nicodemus Slough and the headwaters of the Caloosahatchee River, all of which are vital components of the Everglades Ecosystem; and

WHEREAS, the operation of the proposed GPP will require 26 million gallons of water per day  in and near Water Supply Planning areas currently under drought restrictions; and

WHEREAS, the operation of the proposed GPP will generate oxides of nitrogen, sulfur dioxide, carbon monoxide, volatile organic compounds, particulate matter and sulfuric acid mist, all at least five times the threshold for significant deterioration review; and

WHEREAS, the proposed plant will emit two hundred pounds of mercury per year which will be deposited on marshlands well equipped biochemically to convert it to methyl mercury; and

WHEREAS, published scientific research has demonstrated that mercury fallout occurs primarily in a 100 km radius of coal-fired electric generating stations, and

WHEREAS, this 100 km radius includes habitat where endangered and other fish and wildlife species already carry a high body burden of mercury; and

WHEREAS, the neurological impact on the developing fetus and children occurs at extremely low levels; and

WHEREAS, the emission of carbon dioxide will contribute to the accumulation of greenhouse gases, which contribute to global climate change, and according to international scientific consensus, must be significantly reduced by 2050; and

WHEREAS, the extraction and transportation of coal contributes severe societal and environmental harm, including mountaintop removal, to other regions, nations and continents.

NOW THEREFORE, THE EVERGLADES COALITION RESOLVES AND RECOMMENDS:

1. That no coal-fired power plants should be permitted in the historic Everglades drainage basin, and
   
   
2. That Florida should focus on conservation, energy efficiency, and renewable energy sources rather than construct more infrastructure dependent upon non-renewable sources, which are harmful to people and wildlife.

BE IT SO RESOLVED, on January 18, 2007

John Adornato III, National Co-Chair