Alcoa Investments Improving Water Quality at Yadkin Project

Water quality at the Yadkin Project has improved dramatically since we invested more than $5 million in turbine upgrades and other enhancements specifically designed to increase the amount of oxygen in the water.

That's the finding of a report on water quality that APGI released this week. It shows that water discharged from the Narrows Dam contains the highest concentration of dissolved oxygen — a key indicator of water quality — since we began monitoring water quality in 2007. This demonstrates that the Yadkin Project’s water quality is consistently improving, as measured by state standards for dissolved oxygen that will take effect when we receive a new federal license.

Why is this important? It's further evidence that the Yadkin Project deserves the state water quality certificate it was issued in 2009. A water quality certificate is a requirement for receiving a new FERC license.

We have installed new technology at three turbines at Narrows Dam, and water discharged from Narrows would have met the new state standard 100 percent of the time in 2011 — a 115 percent improvement since the majority of the work at Narrows was completed in 2007. We were confident that this technology would significantly improve dissolved oxygen conditions and it has.

In addition, APGI has committed to invest up to $80 million more to continue improving water quality at the Yadkin Project, beginning with a $40 million investment at High Rock Lake. Once we complete those upgrades, the Yadkin Project will fully comply with state water quality standards.

Click here to read the press release.
Click here to view the complete report.

Salisbury Post editorial supports Alcoa agreement

The Salisbury Post published an editorial on Sunday supporting Alcoa's efforts to attract new jobs to the Yadkin region and end the debate over the relicensing of the Yadkin hydro project:

"Like many of the diverse stakeholders involved in this process, we believe working with Alcoa is a better option than continuing this standoff in hopes of recapturing the license and taking over the Yadkin dams.

"No, there aren’t any iron-clad guarantees. But a hard-fought settlement with Alcoa offers a clearer outcome than the turbulent, muddy waters that lie in the other direction."

Alcoa has committed to attracting new jobs and investment to Stanly County, including a $300 million plant from Clean Tech Silicon & Bar that will create 450 new jobs.  In addition, Alcoa and Clean Tech have made commitments that could generate an additional $1 million a year for Stanly County schools.

With Clean Tech's December 15 deadline quickly approaching, the Stanly County Commissioners must decide whether to embrace the new jobs that Clean Tech will bring or continue legal challenges that could last another decade or more. The Commissioners meet tonight at 7:00 pm in Albemarle.

Click here to read the entire Salisbury Post editorial. 

Clean Tech sets December 15 deadline for Stanly County project

Stanly County stands to lose 450 high-paying jobs if an agreement to bring Clean Tech to Badin cannot be reached within the next month

Clean Tech Silicon & Bar still hopes to build a $300 million manufacturing plant in Stanly County that will create 450 high-paying jobs. But the company informed the Stanly County Commissioners today that it will eliminate the Badin site from consideration if an agreement cannot be reached by Thursday, December 15. Clean Tech is also considering sites in Mississippi and other states.

“Badin is an ideal location for our company and we are ready to move forward with this project immediately and create jobs. But we cannot continue to wait on the sidelines for the Stanly County Commissioners to act,” said John Correnti, chairman of Clean Tech and former CEO of Nucor.

The Clean Tech project would create 250 direct jobs with an average annual salary of $55,000 and 200 support jobs with an average annual salary of $40,000.

In a letter to the Stanly County Commissioners, Clean Tech officials expressed frustration that the commissioners have refused to meet with the company since July to discuss ways to advance the project. Clean Tech offered again to meet with county officials and discuss how to make this project a reality.

Clean Tech’s interest in Stanly County rests in part on incentives offered by Alcoa, including an investment into the joint venture and other support that will significantly lower operating costs. Key to making the incentive package viable is renewal of a federal hydropower license for Alcoa Power Generating Inc.’s Yadkin Project, which will help fund some of the incentives. Stanly County has filed legal challenges that have delayed the relicensing process.

In an effort to reach an agreement with Stanly County, Alcoa has offered a deal worth more than $50 million. The Company has committed to recruiting new jobs that will generate $30 million in annual compensation; has pledged to attract $400 million in investments that will generate more than $2 million a year in additional tax revenue for the county; and has offered to contribute $6 million to the county for public education and other pressing community needs. If Alcoa fails to meet those commitments, it will provide up to $1.2 million a year to Stanly County for the next 40-50 years.

The December 15 deadline is driven by the expiration of Clean Tech’s project development agreement with Alcoa and other business partners.

Stanly County has an unemployment rate of 10.9% and its residents are desperate for new jobs. A rally for Clean Tech jobs recently attracted a crowd of 750 people, and a local job fair for Electronic Recyclers International (ERI) this summer brought in more than 1,000 applications for 25 jobs, indicating a high degree of interest in employment opportunities.

Alcoa has actively worked to recruit new jobs to Stanly County since closing the Badin Works smelter in 2010. ERI, the nation’s largest recycler of electronic waste, opened a regional recycling facility in Badin in May 2011 and will move into an expanded building in January 2012. The company plans to hire 150 people by early 2013.

Stanly County Jobs Rally Draws 750-800 People

A grassroots effort to rally support for new jobs in Stanly County drew a crowd of 750-800 people in Albemarle on Friday night.



The event was organized by Badin business owner Vanessa Mullinix and Albemarle Mayor Whit Whitley last week as word spread that Stanly County might lose the opportunity to attract 450 jobs from Clean Tech Silicon and Bar LLC.

Clean Tech has expressed interested in opening a manufacturing facility at Alcoa’s former plant site to produce silicon and rebar. A key aspect is reaching agreement on future economic development of the Badin Business Park and resolution of the 401 Water Quality Certificate with the Alcoa-owned Yadkin Hydroelectric Project. If Alcoa and the Stanly County Commissioners are unable to reach an agreement, Clean Tech will locate elsewhere.

At the Friday rally, Mayor Whitley read a letter from Clean Tech investor Dave Strickler: “In order for us to locate in Stanly County, what we need is a clear path forward so that we can make our investment and begin the hiring process. Let’s hope that the message tonight reaches the ears of the officials elected to represent your interests,” the letter said.

Click here to read more about the rally from the Stanly News & Press and Inside Stanly, and click here to see the thoughts of one local professor.

Tax Day: A Good Time To Consider How Our Tax Dollars Are Spent

When you file your tax return today, it’s a good time to stop and think about how your tax money is being spent.

In Stanly County, the Commissioners have already spent more than $3 million of tax revenue – without any public debate – on lawyers, lobbyists and other expenses related to its push for a government takeover of Alcoa’s property.  In the first two months of 2010, the Commissioners have spent more than $300,000.  They are on pace to spend an additional $2 million this year alone.

Meanwhile, Gov. Perdue supports a costly government takeover despite the financial crisis facing our state.  With lagging revenue projections, North Carolina predicts a budget shortfall of almost $800 million this year. But that hasn’t stopped Gov. Perdue from continuing to push for a government takeover that could cost taxpayers up to a half billion dollars.

The Wall Street Journal reported in January that Americans have grown increasingly opposed to government intervention in private businesses.

Learn more at www.HowManyMillion.com.

Why Perdue's proposed Yadkin River takeover is so flawed

The Charlotte Observer published an opinion piece today from Rick Bowen, president of Alcoa's energy operations, about Gov. Perdue's attempted government takeover of the Yadkin Project.

Why Perdue's proposed Yadkin River takeover is so flawed

From Rick Bowen, president of Alcoa Energy

When Gov. Bev Perdue decided to pursue an unprecedented government takeover of Alcoa Power Generating Inc.'s hydropower operations along the Yadkin River, she ignored the recommendations of experts in her own state agency, disregarded the actions of the N.C. General Assembly and refused to listen to the citizens who will be most impacted by a takeover.

Instead, she asked the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission to toss aside its own rules and regulations and recommend a government takeover of the Yadkin Project.

Nothing like that has ever been done before... at least not in America.

Gov. Perdue's quest to take our private property stands in stark contrast to the actions of the General Assembly, which rejected takeover legislation this year, and the N.C. Department of Environment and Natural Resources, which studied our operations and in 2007 signed the Relicensing Settlement Agreement supporting a new license for the Yadkin Project.

From the beginning, Gov. Perdue has turned a deaf ear toward the citizens most involved in this process, including homeowners, recreational users, business groups, environmental groups and others who spent years negotiating a relicensing settlement agreement with APGI that offers substantial benefits to North Carolina.

She has dismissed the recommendation of FERC staff that our license should be renewed.

And she ignored the concerns of interested citizens, including grassroots groups such as the N.C. Property Rights Coalition, who have expressed concern that this takeover will set a dangerous precedent that could impact private citizens and small business owners. You have to believe it will affect the way other business owners look at North Carolina, too.

I wish I could ask Gov. Perdue why she is so intent on taking our business. But she has refused to meet with me and others from Alcoa.

So I can't ask her why she conveniently omitted or distorted our history of environmental stewardship and community support. I can't explain that her actions reflect a clear misinterpretation of the Federal Power Act. And I can't point out the glaring errors in her filing.

For example, Gov. Perdue's projections estimate $2.8 million a year for operating and maintenance expenses - but fail to take into account any expenses associated with project land management, depreciation, other contracted costs, power substation and transmission, and general administrative expenses. Those expenses add an additional $11 million a year to the operating costs, meaning Gov. Perdue has underestimated operating expenses by almost 400 percent.

She also estimates it will cost $24.1 million to acquire the Yadkin Project. Even if a government takeover were possible, the price must reflect the updated cost of Alcoa's net investment ($91 million), plus severance damages that could add hundreds of millions of dollars to the cost.

Gov. Perdue argues that North Carolina must "secure a greater degree of control over the water supplies within its own borders." If so, then shouldn't the same rules apply to all rivers in North Carolina and all private hydro operators?

But this battle isn't about protecting the North Carolina's water supplies; it's about taking government control of a private business.

Alcoa responds to NC Governor’s attempts to take the Yadkin Project

I wanted to share with you a press release we issued this morning about our response to Gov. Perdue's Sept. 18 filing with FERC. We filed a formal response yesterday, which you can access here.

Alcoa responds to NC Governor’s attempts to take the Yadkin Project

Company criticizes NC Gov. Bev Perdue’s attempt to circumvent federal law and take its private property

BADIN, NC (October 6, 2009) – Alcoa Power Generating Inc. (APGI), a subsidiary of Alcoa Inc., responded to an unprecedented effort by N.C. Gov. Bev Perdue to seize control of its privately-owned hydropower business along the Yadkin River by filing a formal response with the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) on Monday. In a September 18 filing, Gov. Perdue asked FERC to ignore its long-standing rules and regulations, disregard the findings of the state’s own environmental agencies and deny APGI a new federal license to continue generating clean, renewable energy.

“Gov. Perdue is asking FERC to ignore federal law and allow the state to take over a private business that has been a part of the North Carolina business community since 1915. It’s something that has never been done before and with good reason,” said Rick Bowen, president of Alcoa’s energy operations. “We hope that FERC will uphold the intent of the Federal Power Act and promptly reject Gov. Perdue’s effort to circumvent the law and take our property.”

In its response, Alcoa criticizes Gov. Perdue’s zealous pursuit of the company’s business and property. It provides details that show her September 18 filing is fraught with inaccuracies and reflects a clear misinterpretation of the Federal Power Act.

In addition, Gov. Perdue’s actions show a complete disregard for FERC’s rules and regulations. Her request for a government takeover comes three years after deadlines specified in the Federal Power Act and flies in the face of FERC’s April 2009 ruling that, as a late intervener, Gov. Perdue must accept the existing relicensing record.

A complete copy of Alcoa’s response is available on the FERC web site at: http://elibrary.FERC.gov/idmws/file_list.asp?accession_num=20091005-5146

Gov. Perdue’s Takeover Effort Raises Questions

To make her case, Gov. Perdue has conveniently omitted or purposefully distorted Alcoa’s history of responsible environmental stewardship and community support.

“It is disappointing that Gov. Perdue would make such accusations without the supporting facts of the state agencies,” Bowen said. “I wish Gov. Perdue would have given us the courtesy of a meeting with her so we could have addressed some of these issues when she first took office. She has yet to accept a meeting with our representatives.”

The most glaring inaccuracies in Gov. Perdue’s filing involve the misrepresentation of Alcoa’s environmental record and flawed financial projections that grossly underestimate how much it would cost the State of North Carolina to acquire and operate the Yadkin Project.

Environmental Issues: Alcoa and APGI follow all environmental regulations in North Carolina. If Gov. Perdue believes the company has failed to meet any of its environmental responsibilities or delayed taking any necessary action, she already has full regulatory authority over its waste sites.

While Gov. Perdue claims that “pollutants from former industrial operations at the Badin Works site remain a threat to human health and environment,” the N.C. Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) has stated on the record that the sites do not pose a threat to public health or the environment. The company is committed to continue testing and monitoring these sites and is legally bound to make sure they don’t create any environmental concerns in the future.

Financial Projections: Gov. Perdue’s financial projections include glaring errors and omissions. She has projected $2.8 million a year for operating and maintenance expenses but failed to take into account expenses associated with project land management, depreciation, other contracted costs, power substation and transmission, and general administrative expenses. Those expenses – which add an additional $11 million a year to the operating costs – demonstrate that Gov. Perdue has underestimated operating expenses by almost 400%.

In addition, the financial projections reflect a price of $24.1 million to acquire the Yadkin Project. Even if a government takeover were possible, the price would include the updated cost of Alcoa’s net investment ($91 million), plus severance damages. Alcoa believes severance damages alone could be hundreds of millions of dollars.

Gov. Perdue’s relentless attacks on Alcoa stand in stark contrast to the actions of the N.C. General Assembly and her own N.C. Department of Environment and Natural Resources, and show a disregard for the 23 organizations who negotiated a relicensing settlement agreement with Alcoa that offers substantial benefits to North Carolina.

Consider:

• A bipartisan group of legislators in the N.C. House voted in overwhelming numbers (66-39) to defeat takeover legislation supported by Gov. Perdue. (August 2009 vote on SB 967)

• The N.C. Department of Environment and Natural Resources has closely studied every aspect of Alcoa’s operations – including water quality, water resources and waste management issues – and support granting a new license for APGI. The Division of Water Quality issued APGI a required water quality certificate in May that clears the way for FERC to issue a new license, and the Division of Waste Management has said that waste sites on Alcoa’s other industrial property do not pose a health risk.

• A collection of 23 organizations – representing state and federal agencies, local homeowners, recreational users and business organizations, environmental interest groups and other stakeholders – negotiated and signed a relicensing settlement agreement that supports a new license for Alcoa.

• Grassroots organizations such as the N.C. Property Rights Coalition have expressed strong opposition to Gov. Perdue’s attempts to take Alcoa’s private property, raising concern that private citizens and small business owners may be subject to the same type of government takeover.

• 82% of North Carolina voters oppose the state taking over a privately-owned business (Public opinion poll of 600 likely voters conducted in May 2009 by McLaughlin & Associates)

Despite these factors, Gov. Perdue and Commerce Secretary Keith Crisco continue to relentlessly pursue a takeover of Alcoa’s hydropower business. In fact, Gov. Perdue has even supported a lawsuit against her own Department of Environment and Natural Resources over the issuing of the water quality certificate for the Yadkin Project.

Alcoa believes FERC, the federal agency that regulates all hydropower projects in the United States, should dismiss Gov. Perdue’s motion and issue the company a new long-term license for the Yadkin Project. FERC staff has already recommended a new license for Alcoa, and the agency has all of the information it needs to make a final decision regarding a new license.

# # #

Alcoa responds to State of North Carolina's FERC Filing

On behalf of Gov. Beverly Perdue, the State of North Carolina filed a motion at the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) on Friday, September 18. The filing presents North Carolina’s case for a federal takeover of the privately-owned Yadkin Hydroelectric Project in central North Carolina. Alcoa, which has owned and operated the Yadkin Project since 1917, is currently reviewing the State of North Carolina’s filing. The company has released the following statement to share its initial reaction:

We are disappointed that Gov. Perdue continues to pursue an unprecedented government takeover of Alcoa’s privately-owned hydroelectric business, despite public and legislative opposition to her efforts.

The N.C. General Assembly rejected the idea of a government takeover in August 2009 when the N.C. House voted overwhelmingly to defeat the Yadkin Trust Bill (SB 967). In addition, a public opinion poll conducted in May 2009 found that 81 percent of North Carolina voters oppose a government takeover of the Yadkin Project. The anticipated cost of a government takeover – which could be $500 million or more – and the dangerous precedent of taking private property have concerned taxpayers and legislators alike.

Alcoa believes that the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) has all of the information it needs to issue a new long-term license for the Yadkin Project and encourages FERC to do so. Gov. Perdue’s efforts demonstrate a complete disregard for the well-established federal relicensing process that Alcoa has followed since 2002.

Alcoa worked closely with stakeholders interested in the future management of the Yadkin River – including state agencies representing the State of North Carolina – to negotiate a relicensing agreement that has the widespread support of local governments, lakefront property owners, recreational users, business groups, environmental organizations and many others. In addition, FERC staff recommended a new long-term license for Alcoa after a comprehensive two-year review of all relevant issues.

The relicensing agreement offers significant benefits for North Carolina that are being delayed by Gov. Perdue’s actions. These benefits include improved water quality in the Yadkin River; increased water withdrawals by local municipalities; better protection of water during drought conditions; thousands of acres for long-term land protection; the creation of new parks, public swim areas and other recreation opportunities; more stable lake levels and a consistent downstream flow of water; more flexibility regarding shoreline development for lakefront property owner.

Alcoa looks forward to receiving a new license and implementing the many positive benefits the relicensing agreement will bring to the people of North Carolina.

# # #

Footnotes:

On August 6, the N.C. House voted 66-39 to defeat Senate Bill 967 (known as the Yadkin Trust bill). The bill would have established a state trust with the authority to seize the Yadkin Hydroelectric Project

McLaughlin & Associates, a respected national pollster, conducted a public opinion poll of 700 likely North Carolina voters on May 17-18, 2009. The poll found that 81 percent of voters disapproved of the state government using taxpayer money to take over a privately owned and operated business.

Dow Jones recognizes Alcoa as a global leader in sustainability

Alcoa has been named a component of the Dow Jones Sustainability Index for the eighth consecutive year – an achievement that recognizes the company’s leadership and commitment to sustainability. The Dow Jones Sustainability Index follows a best-in-class approach and includes sustainability leaders from industries worldwide. Selection is based on a thorough analysis of a company’s economic, environmental and social performance.

“To be included on this key index for eight years in a row clearly shows that Alcoa’s commitment to sustainability remains strong. We produce the ideal sustainable material – aluminum is lightweight and infinitely recyclable, and it will continue to play a key role in the sustainable life of our planet,” said Alcoa CEO and President Klaus Kleinfeld.

Some of Alcoa’s most noteworthy sustainability achievements in 2008 include:

(1) A 36% reduction in greenhouse gases from the 1990 base year – a 44% improvement over Alcoa’s target for 2010.

(2) Approximately 90% of Alcoa’s worldwide operations have community programs, putting the company within reach of its target of 100% by 2010; and

(3) Alcoa has been ranked by the Covalence Ethics Index sixth in ethical reputation among all companies worldwide and first in the Resources category.

You can learn more about Alcoa’s sustainability efforts by downloading a copy of Alcoa’s 2008 Sustainability Report.

NC House rejects government takeover of Alcoa property in decisive vote

A great victory at the North Carolina General Assembly last night. See press release below:

NC House rejects government takeover of Alcoa property in decisive vote

N.C. RALEIGH – The N.C. House voted in overwhelming numbers to reject an unprecedented and costly government takeover of Alcoa’s hydroelectric business along the Yadkin River in central North Carolina. Senate Bill 967, sponsored by Sen. Fletcher Hartsell, failed in a floor vote by a wide margin, 66-39, with bipartisan support.

“Legislators sent a clear message that they do not support the taking of private business. The more they learned about this issue, it became evident that passing this legislation would set a dangerous precedent for North Carolina,” said Gene Ellis, an Alcoa spokesman. “We appreciate the strong support of the N.C. House and remain committed to fighting any future efforts by Gov. Perdue to take our business against our will.”

The bill would have established a state trust with the authority to seize the Yadkin Hydroelectric Project, a privately-owned business that has been generating clean renewable energy in North Carolina since 1915.

Legislators tried to quickly maneuver the bill through the General Assembly this week after the House Water Resources Committee reversed itself and voted the bill out of committee. The bill was heard twice Thursday by the House Public Utilities Committee, which passed the bill at a hastily called afternoon meeting. The bill then bypassed the House Finance Committee and was sent straight to the House floor.

Opponents of a state takeover –including lakefront homeowners, property rights advocates and local officials in Stanly County – expressed serious concerns about the proposed takeover this week. Their concerns included the potential cost to North Carolina taxpayers of $500 million or more; the fundamental violation of Alcoa’s private property rights; and the need to support the federal licensing process and the Relicensing Settlement Agreement that Alcoa reached with stakeholders.

The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC), the federal agency that regulates hydroelectric projects in the United States, has all of the information it needs to issue a new long-term license for the Yadkin Project. FERC staff has already recommended issuing a new license to Alcoa.

“We remain eager for a new license and look forward to implementing the many positive benefits included in the Relicensing Settlement Agreement,” Ellis said.

Under the terms of the relicensing agreement, Alcoa will continue to improve water quality in the Yadkin River; allow for increased water withdrawals by local municipalities; better protect the water supply when drought conditions are present; set aside thousands of acres for long-term land protection; create new parks, public swim areas and other recreation opportunities; provide more stable lake levels and a consistent downstream flow of water; and give homeowners more flexibility regarding shoreline development.

###

The Battle Intensifies: House committee passes takeover bill; Sen. Hartsell maneuvers for quick floor vote

You never know what’s going to happen when you’re at the legislature. And Wednesday was one of the most surreal days I’ve ever experienced.

One week after a N.C. House Committee voted against a government takeover of the Alcoa’s Yadkin Hydroelectric Project, that same committee resurrected the bill and voted 8-7 to support an unprecedented government takeover that could cost North Carolina taxpayers more than $500 million.

The House Water Resources & Infrastructure Committee narrowly approved Senate Bill 967 despite the anticipated cost and strong opposition from lakefront homeowners, property rights advocates and local officials in Stanly County.

Within hours, Sen. Fletcher Hartsell began maneuvering the bill for a quick passage in both chambers. He amended an existing bill (House Bill 1099) to include the essence of SB 967 that creates the Yadkin Trust. The bill passed the Senate and was sent by special delivery to the House for a floor vote that could occur as early as tomorrow, effectively bypassing the House Public Utilities and House Finance committees.

At the same time, SB 967 was referred to the House Public Utilities Commission for a hearing on Thursday at 10am. This essentially gives the bill's supporters two different cracks at passing the Yadkin Trust bill. If SB 967 is defeated in committee, the full House can still pass HB 1099.

“Sen. Hartsell pulled out all the stops today. It looks like he’s willing to do whatever it takes to take away the business we started here in 1915,” said Gene Ellis, a spokesman for Alcoa. “Frankly, we’re stunned that this important legislation is being rammed through the legislature. This is a complex issue with far-reaching implications and it deserves a fair hearing.”

Alcoa will continue fighting to keep the Yadkin Project, which has generated clean, renewable energy in North Carolina for nearly 100 years. It is important to remember that regardless of what happens in the North Carolina legislature, only the federal government can consider a takeover of the Yadkin Project, Ellis said.

The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) has all of the information it needs to issue a new long-term license for the Yadkin Project. FERC staff has already dismissed the possibility of a government takeover and recommended issuing a new license to Alcoa.

House committee to discuss takeover bill again; Meeting scheduled for Wed at 2pm

One week after voting against Senate Bill 967, the N.C. House Water Resources & Infrastructure Committee will reconsider a government takeover of the Yadkin Hydroelectric Project that could cost North Carolina $500 million or more.

The meeting will be held on Wednesday, August 5 at 2:00 pm in Room 1228 of the Legislative Building.

Please take a moment to call members of the committee and remind them why they should oppose this bill. Here is a list of members:

Rep. Lucy Allen: 919-733-5860, lucy.allen@ncleg.net

Rep. Hugh Blackwell: 919-733-5805, hugh.blackwell@ncleg.net

Rep. Jamie Boles: 919-733-5903, Jamie.Boles@ncleg.net

Rep. Edith Warren: 919-715-3023, edith.warren@ncleg.net

Rep. Pryor Gibson:919-715-3007, pryor.gibson@ncleg.net

Rep. Mitch Gillespie: 919-733-5862, mitchg@ncleg.net

Rep. Bruce Goforth: 919-733-5746, bruce.goforth@ncleg.net

Rep. Carolyn Justice: 919-715-9664, carolyn.justice@ncleg.net

Rep. Kelly Alexander: 919-733-5778, kelly.alexander@ncleg.net

Rep. Grey Mills: 919-733-5741, grey.mills@ncleg.net

Rep. Bill Owens: 919-733-0010, bill.owens@ncleg.net

Rep. Ray Warren: 919-715-8361, ray.warren@ncleg.net

Rep. Ruth Samuelson: 919-715-3009, ruth.samuelson@ncleg.net

Rep. Cullie Tarleton, Chair: 919-733-7727, cullie.tarleton@ncleg.net

Rep. Alice Underhill: 919-733-5853, alice.underhill@ncleg.net

N.C. House Committee votes against government takeover of Alcoa’s Yadkin Project

Here is a copy of a press release we issued this evening about today's committee vote in the N.C. House.

N.C. House Committee votes against government takeover of Alcoa’s Yadkin Project

RALEIGH (July 28, 2009) – A legislative bid to pursue a government takeover of Alcoa’s Yadkin Hydroelectric Project was thwarted by a N.C. House committee today. The Water Resources and Infrastructure Committee voted 8-6 against allowing Senate Bill 967 to move forward.

“We applaud the committee for standing up for private property rights and voting against an unprecedented government takeover that could have cost North Carolina $500 million or more,” said Gene Ellis, a spokesperson for Alcoa. “We remain eager for a new license and look forward to implementing the many positive benefits included in the Relicensing Settlement Agreement.”

Under the terms of the relicensing agreement, Alcoa will:

• Continue to improve water quality in the Yadkin River

• Allow for increased water withdrawals by local municipalities

• Better protect the water supply when drought conditions are present

• Set aside thousands of acres for long-term land protection

• Create new parks, public swim areas and other recreation opportunities

• Provide more stable lake levels and a consistent downstream flow of water

• Give homeowners more flexibility regarding shoreline development

FERC staff has already recommended issuing a new long-term license to Alcoa.

“We are gratified that the House took the time to carefully consider this legislation and weigh the pros and cons. Once they did that, they voted their conscience,” said Larry Jones, president of the High Rock Lake Association. Jones addressed the committee on behalf of more than 1,000 lakefront property owners, including approximately 50 members who attended the committee meeting.

Since planting roots in North Carolina in 1915, Alcoa has been a strong supporter of the local community. Together, Alcoa and Alcoa Foundation have donated $3 million to support non-profit organizations to improve economic development, education, recreation, public safety and more.

# # #

Water Resource Committee votes against government takeover

Great news: The House Water Resource and Infrastructure Committee just voted 8-6 against allowing Senate Bill 967 to move forward. Thanks to everyone who helped make it happen. More to come soon...

NC Property Rights Coalition Begins Airing Radio Ads

The N.C. Property Rights Coalition is moving full speed ahead in its efforts to stop an unprecedented government takeover of the privately-owned Yadkin Project.

It released the following statement earlier today:

“Today, the Coalition will launch a radio ad criticizing the attempted government takeover of Alcoa’s dams and other privately owned assets along the Yadkin River. The ad will run in several media markets around the state. Click here to listen to the ad.”

For more information about the efforts of the N.C. Property Rights Coalition or to sign up to help, go to www.LeaveThatDamAlone.com.

Leave That Dam Alone

I told you yesterday that the N.C. Property Rights Coalition had joined the fight to stop a government takeover of the Yadkin Project.

Here’s some more information that you might be interested in:

The property rights folks have set up a web site – www.LeaveThatDamAlone.com – where you can learn more and sign up to help. It's worth a visit.

Water Resources Committee Meeting Scheduled for July 28

The N.C. Water Resources & Infrastructure Committee has scheduled a meeting on Tuesday, July 28 at 2pm to discuss SB 967, the government takeover bill sponsored by Sen. Fletcher Hartsell.

Committee chairman Cullie Tarleton plans to hear from two members of the public – one in favor of the bill, one opposed – then allow members to discuss the bill and consider amendments before taking a vote.

A vote in favor of SB 967 will help clear the way for North Carolina to spend $500 million or more on an unprecedented government takeover of Alcoa’s privately-owned hydro business.

If you’d like to let the committee know why they should oppose this bill, here is a list of members:

Rep. Lucy Allen: 919-733-5860, lucy.allen@ncleg.net

Rep. Hugh Blackwell: 919-733-5805, hugh.blackwell@ncleg.net

Rep. Jamie Boles: 919-733-5903, Jamie.Boles@ncleg.net

Rep. Edith Warren: 919-715-3023, edith.warren@ncleg.net

Rep. Pryor Gibson:919-715-3007, pryor.gibson@ncleg.net

Rep. Mitch Gillespie: 919-733-5862, mitchg@ncleg.net

Rep. Bruce Goforth: 919-733-5746, bruce.goforth@ncleg.net

Rep. Carolyn Justice: 919-715-9664, carolyn.justice@ncleg.net

Rep. Kelly Alexander: 919-733-5778, kelly.alexander@ncleg.net

Rep. Grey Mills: 919-733-5741, grey.mills@ncleg.net

Rep. Bill Owens: 919-733-0010, bill.owens@ncleg.net

Rep. Ray Warren: 919-715-8361, ray.warren@ncleg.net

Rep. Ruth Samuelson: 919-715-3009, ruth.samuelson@ncleg.net

Rep. Cullie Tarleton, Chair: 919-733-7727, cullie.tarleton@ncleg.net

Rep. Alice Underhill: 919-733-5853, alice.underhill@ncleg.net