At a rally against coal on Sunday Greenpeace Field Organizer Zack Waterman said he chose Austin to host the rally because it is a strong, green city that is filled with people who can help raise awareness of clean energy to Texas officials and other Texans.
“Now is the time for the new generation to stand up and take action,”said guest musician Bill Oliver.
Waterman said it doesn’t take a lot of people to get the word out.
Waterman said more than 7000 events in 188 countries are scheduled for today which is the largest environmental movement in history accomplished by 350 and many other partner organizations. Waterman said this years global theme was: Get To Work.
Flavia de la Fuente said she was glad Greenpeace chose to rally in Austin because the Austin City Limits crowd will provide more signatures for the petition for clean energy.
Waterman said he was proud to have the Director of Public Citizens Texas Office Tom Smith be a guest speaker at the event because it raises even more awareness of coal burning.
Why people care
“Texas is the energy state. It has a lot of potential to have a great impact, but it’s being left behind,” said Fuente.
“It’s an important issue for health and environmental reasons,” said Cisco Johnson. Johnson said many people don’t realize the full effects humans have on Earth.
“Thirty-five states have mercury in their water, and 70% of mercury pollution comes from coal. The Environmental Protection Agency has to listen at some point,” said Waterman.
Johnson said he doesn’t think people know about the full issue.
“I don’t feel like it’s a big issue. The city has other issues to focus on,” said Chelsea Gibson. Gibson said everyone uses coal products, and they need to realize coal helps us in everyday life.
Waterman said the organization is taking a picture at the end of the rally to show Texas officials how many people care about coal burning regulations.
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