Citizens of Jefferson County and others from around the state of West Virginia will be visiting the state capitol in Charleston on June 19 to speak with the Governor and legislators about their struggle against the manufacturing facility that Rockwool plans to build in Ranson, West Virginia.
During their visit, groups plan to deliver a petition to the Governor, rally in the Capitol building, meet with individuals in the House and Senate, and hold a press conference on Monday, June 19 at 2:30 p.m. in the Governor’s Conference Room on the ground floor of the Capitol.
“Contrary to what you may have heard, vocal supporters of the plant number less than 1,000, while active opponents to Rockwool are in excess of 10,500 strong,” the citizens write in a letter they will present to state legislators. “That’s a ten to one ratio against building Rockwool. The overwhelming majority of citizens are opposed to toxic manufacturing being located in our county directly across from an elementary school. Make no mistake about it, manufacturing of Rockwool is indeed very toxic and our state could find itself facing many liabilities, law suits, and clean-up efforts if we let Rockwool proceed with its plans.”
The citizens will also be handing to legislators a handout titled Mineral Wool Insulation is Not Green, Sustainable or Environmentally Friendly.
Several major citizen groups have been formed to oppose Rockwool including Jefferson County Vision, Concerned Citizens Against Rockwool, Panhandle Protectors, and Eastern Panhandle Green Coalition.
“We ask that you take our cause seriously,” the citizens say in the letter. “We will not back down and hope to provide a model for others in West Virginia to follow. You can’t breathe money, you can’t drink poison, the citizens should not have to clean up toxic messes left behind. Please stand up for the people. If we need jobs, let’s find some that won’t ruin our health and our environment.”