On April 30, the Newton County NAACP hosted a community-wide health forum to raise awareness of Snapping Shoals EMC's plan to build two new coal-fired power plants. Presenters explained that pre-development costs have already totaled over $8 million - about $100 per customer - and that burning coal emits toxic air pollutio, which can cause asthma attacks and heart disease, and mercury, which can cause the permanent loss of intelligence in young children. Attendees were encouraged to use the energy savings programs Snapping Shoals offers on its website, ssemc.com, in order to reduce the need for new generations, and to let SSEMC board members know their concerns about using coal for power. For more information, please go to smartenergyforsnappingshoals.org.