Retirement Systems of Alabama Chief Urges Action on Mobile Coal Ash
David Bronner, who has led the Retirement Systems of Alabama (RSA) for nearly 50 years, is calling for urgent action on the 22 million cubic yards of coal ash located along the Mobile River.
Call for Immediate Environmental Intervention
Bronner, CEO of RSA, describes the coal ash pond at the Barry Electric Generating Plant as a “huge environmental bomb.” He emphasized the need for collaboration rather than blaming parties involved.
“We do not need finger-pointing; we need to, jointly, with Alabama Power, our Washington team, and our state team, unite and start the long process to solve this huge environmental bomb NOW, NOT IGNORE IT until Mother Nature decides to let it bust loose and damage Mobile Bay, affecting not just Mobile Bay but the entire state.” — David Bronner, in the November issue of the Advisor newsletter
Environmental Concerns and Location
The coal ash pond, situated about 25 miles north of Mobile near the Mobile River, contains roughly 22 million cubic yards of coal combustion residuals—the waste left after burning coal for energy. Environmentalists warn of risks to both the river and surrounding groundwater.
Support from Environmental Groups
Cade Kistler, leader of program efforts at the environmental nonprofit Mobile Baykeeper, supports Bronner’s call.
“We applaud David Bronner’s call to have Alabama’s leaders come together to see that 21 million tons of coal ash is removed from the banks of the Mobile River, once and for all.” — Cade Kistler, Mobile Baykeeper
Summary
Leaders urge coordinated efforts to address the hazardous coal ash threat along the Mobile River before it causes extensive damage to Mobile Bay and beyond.
David Bronner stresses urgent, united action is vital to prevent ecological disaster from Alabama's coal ash near Mobile River.