The N.C. Department of Environmental Quality is developing a Clean Energy Plan to encourage the use of wind, solar and other energy efficiencies. Unfortunately, it will probably not be supported by our representatives on the Rowan ballot: Harry Warren, R-76; Julia Howard, R-77; Larry Pittman, R-83 and Carl Ford, R-33. Public records show their support for harmful environmental policies enacted by the Republican-controlled N.C. legislature.

For example, our local Republican representatives rejected a U.S. Geological finding that sea level along the N.C. coast is expected to rise 39 inches by 2100, placing 2,000 square miles of our shore under water, ignoring this scientific study to protect developers. Hurricanes Matthew and Florence have revealed the foolishness of this decision. (Note: Ford was not yet a member of the General Assembly when this vote was taken.)

They supported legislation to provide legal cover for potential damages caused by fracking operations. This law prohibited local governments from creating restrictions on the fracking process, such as making it illegal to reveal the chemicals used, even though some had contaminated well water in rural areas.

In the wake of a successful lawsuit initiated by families living near a hog waste facility owned by Smithfield Foods (now part of the giant Chinese pork producer WH Group Ltd.), legislation was passed to make it almost impossible to file nuisance lawsuits against hog corporations, strictly limiting the compensation awarded to future successful plaintiffs.

It should be clear that our current Republican legislators have been voting to protect corporate profits rather than the health and safety of North Carolinians. In the upcoming election, there is a choice. I am confident that the following candidates will fight to protect the welfare of the people of our state: Joe Fowler (HD-76), Bonnie Clark (HD-77), Gail Young (HD-83), and Arin Wilhelm (S-33).

— Keith Townsend

Mt. Ulla