Michael Krasny, Host of KQED's Forum, Talks with Winners of the Goldman Environmentalist Prize

In the second half hour of this radio show, host Michael Krasny opens the Forum to two grassroots activists who received this year's Goldman Environmental Prize. Maria Gunnoe, a West Virginian talks about her people's battle against King Coal and mountaintop removal, and attorney Rizwana Hasan her work to regulate the dangerous ship breaking industry in Bangladesh.

Go 24 minutes into the show to reach the second segment.

Ashley Judd Rails Against Mountain Top Removal

During the I Love Mountains rally in Frankfort on Feb. 17, 2009, actor Ashley Judd took the podium to speak out against mountain top removal mining and in support of the Stream Saver Bill in this video.

(video courtesy of David Stephensen, Lexington Herald-Leader)

Former Republican Challenges Coal-Energy Producers to Reform Strategies for Growth

Allan Tweddle Urges Coal Industry to Reconsider Energy Investments from Polidoc on Vimeo.

Allan Tweddle, business entrepreneur, environmental activist, faced off with pro-coal energy representatives and academicians at the Coal Energy Industry Forum held at West Virginia University on October 15, 2008. His opening remarks demonstrate clearly his skepticism that his audience will be receptive to his findings or concerns. While he sits on the West Virginia Governor's Public Energy Authority, he is critical of mountain top removal and its environmental degradation of the state.

Tweddle, who calls himself a "Recovering Republican", points out that West Virginia will not be able to compete with other energy producers unless a switch to sustainable practices is made. The expense of silicone has dropped far enough that solar voltaics has become an energy solution within reach, making it more feasible to profitably build solar powered plants. In the meantime, coal-powered plants are becoming increasingly more expense to build and the resource of coal is finite. He shares how successfully other countries have adopted conversion enticements to its citizens; and cites that even South Africa, with one of the most polluting coal-burning power plant, is in the process of shifting its energy policy.

Jesse Johnson, Mountain Party candidate for Governor along with supporters attended the forum as well and offered a standing ovation to Tweddle after his presentation. In a state where coal is King, it will take many strong activists to switch this light bulb.

West Virginia's Governor Race Should be Wild, Wonderful...

License plates in West Virginia hail the state as "Wild....Wonderful". With a scandal-tarnished incumbent GovernorManchin, this election season may indeed be wild as a Democratic challenger Mel Kessler and The Mountain Party's Jesse Johnson aim for the Governor's mansion this fall.

While running for Governor, Johnson is also campaigning for the Presidential nomination of the Green Party of the United States. According to Chicago Indymedia, if Manchin should manage to eek out a primary victory, Johnson is poised to give Manchin a run for his money. Can Johnson run for Governor and President at the same time? So far, Johnson is determined to make history with his concurrent runs. Whether or not the Greens tap Johnson for their Presidential run, look for this environmental activist and ardent Constitutionalist to be shaking up things in Charleston.

read more