Karen Warren/Chronicle -- David Ryman secures a sign opposing the coal plant on the property of Michael Ledwig, who is in the forklift.

Planned Coal Plant Generates Controversy in Texas.   Houston Chronicle, September 25, 2010. “The idea had undeniable power at first: the cleanest coal-fired plant in Texas. But now, with the White Stallion Energy Center about to receive an air pollution permit from the state, many local officials and residents are having second thoughts — even in the face of 12% unemployment… In and around Bay City, the county’s hub, opponents are planting roadside signs showing a menacing monster billowing from smokestacks, with the rallying cry: ‘Stop White Stallion Coal Plant’…

Others see promise instead of peril. Supporters of the $3 billion proposal include officials at the Matagorda County Economic Development Corp., the Bay City Chamber of Commerce and the superintendent of the Bay City Independent School District. They say the plant would mean hundreds of jobs, higher incomes and better lives for some of the 38,000 people in the county… Coal is the dirtiest fuel for making electricity, but jobs are a big motivating factor in towns that are struggling. And that’s why some folks think Randy Bird picked Bay City. ‘We’re simply too small, with no political clout, and hungry for economic development,’ said Robert Malina, a retired professor who has led a local group called the No Coal Coalition.”

Climate Activists in Australia Close Down World’s Largest Coal Port. Reuters, September 26, 2010.   “Australian climate change activists today [9/26/10] closed down operations at the world’s largest coal port after entering its three terminals and attaching themselves to loaders, the terminal operator and the protesters said. The action by climate change group Rising Tide Australia [see photo below] stopped operations at all three terminals operated by Port Waratah Coal Services, which normally run continuously, a company spokesman said. Asked if all operations at the facility had been halted due to the action, a company spokesman told Reuters: ‘Yes, that is correct. All operations have temporarily stopped.’

Rising Tide said about 50 people in total were involved in the protest, some entering before dawn Sunday morning, abseiling down machinery and attaching themselves to loaders. Others demonstrated with banners. Spokeswoman Annika Dean said nine protesters attached themselves to infrastructure, calling it an ‘emergency’ action to highlight climate change, which she blamed for recent fires in Russia and floods in Pakistan.”

Here is a photo of their demonstration:

Two climbers hanging from the NCIG coal terminal in Newcastle: Photo by Conor Ashleigh http://www.conorashleigh.com