PEABODY — A hunger strike opposing a new oil-andgas powered “peaker” plant in Peabody has enlisted some legislative muscle as the strike hits its ninth day.
Opponents to the plant and environmental advocates held a protest in front of Peabody District Court Tuesday afternoon, the eighth day of the strike. The event included the support of state Rep. Sally Kearns, D-Danvers, and state Sen. Joan Lovely, D-Salem, who represents several communities in the area.
“I just want to send my best to the six individuals behind us who are putting themselves in harm’s way for a very important, critical issue,” Lovely said, then leaning to a group of protestors wearing black hats emblazoned with “HUNGER STRIKER” in big, white letters. “That’s why we’re here.”
The hunger strike was launched Tuesday, March 15, in opposition of the “Peabody Peaker” plant, an $85 million facility that will only operate during peak demand times to keep the region’s energy needs met. The plant is being sought by the Massachusetts Municipal Wholesale Electric Company and would touch 14 communities if built.
“We’re in a fight for a clean energy future,” said Kearns. “To that end, these folks are
literally putting your health on the line to make the point that, if we don’t transition to clean energy, the changes will come in other ways and will be cataclysmic and irreversible.
“So it isn’t too much to ask those of us who are in state government to use our authority,” Kearns continued. “That’s what we’re encouraging the officials from the Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs — to use their authority to revisit this plant.”
From Salem News – March 23 edition by Dustin Luka