LWV celebrates Women's Equality Day, releases Vision Statment Aug. 26

LWV president Elizabeth Crowe welcomed members and local officials to a celebration of Women's Equality Day, Aug. 26 in the Madison County Courthouse. On Aug. 26, 1920, after decades of suffragist struggles, women in the United States were granted the right to vote. LWV was founded that same year to provide guidance to women on how to make the most of their newly won right. The League is still here to foster civic engagement of all people, all across our nation.

Besides celebrating the anniversary of women's right to vote, LWV also released its "Vision Statement for Madison County," suggesting policies and action on a variety of issues.

In 2005, LWV began organizing our local programs on the theme "Madison County 2025:  What's Your Vision?"  in order to engage community members and government leaders in thinking more about our shared future.  The Vision Statement is a culmination of dialogue with local residents, community leaders and elected officials on a wide range of social and political issues. It is meant to provide goals for our community in areas including planning and development, social justice and energy and environment.  It is our hope that this statement will also help frame discussion and debate leading up to the November elections.

Want to learn more about Women's Equality Day and the strategic role that TENNESSEE played in women's right to vote?

LWV voices opposition to coal-fired plants

The League of Women Voters of the United States has called for a moratorium on new construction of coal-fired power plants, based on concerns about climate change and other damaging impacts of coal.  Local LWV leaders say the national position can help usher in clean energy solutions in Kentucky communities and around the nation. 

"Global warming is happening now," said national League President Mary G. Wilson. "If we wait for federal action from our congressional leaders, it will be too late.  We must take immediate and aggressive action to halt climate change," she said.

Elizabeth Crowe, President of the League of Women Voters of Berea and Madison County said the statement is highly significant for Central Kentucky.  "Central Kentuckians suffer some of the worst air quality in the nation due to pollution from coal-fired power plants and inefficient use of the electricity we get from these facilities," she said.  "Dirty air results in poor health, whereas clean energy from renewable sources like solar and wind, plus using electricity more efficiently in the first place, preserve our health and the environment, and can spur economic development as well."
LWV suggests five mechanisms that can ensure we have enough electricity without use of additional coal-fired plants:  1) energy efficiency of lighting, heating and cooling systems, and better insulation and efficient construction of buildings; 2) increased efficiency of current electric generating facilities; 3) decreased losses of electricity in transmission lines; 4) use of excess heat from electricity generation at existing power plants for heating buildings; and 5) use of renewable energy such as solar or wind power.   

Kentucky is facing requests for several new coal-fired power plants, including a proposal by East Kentucky Power Cooperative to build a new facility in Clark County.  "League's position on climate change, and now the call for a moratorium on new coal-fired power plants, affords us a great opportunity to pursue clean energy here in our communities," said local League member Cecile Schubert.

The full statement and other information is available at Background on Moratorium.