STATESVILLE — With presentations from grassroots activists from around two Duke Energy power plants who have been impacted by coal ash and Nancy LaPlaca, an expert on natural gas energy costs and impacts on the environment, Clean Water for North Carolina invites the public to its annual program meeting on Saturday.

The program will be from 1:30 to 5 p.m. at the Statesville Civic Center’s Media Room, 300 S Center St., with opportunities to meet Clean Water for North Carolina’s staff and board and find out how to get involved. 

This year’s theme is “Standing Up for Safe Energy Jobs and Water Justice,” and will include presentations from folks working to protect their communities from coal ash contamination, as well as preventing unneeded pipelines and fracking impacts on water, air and climate.

For current Clean Water for NC members, there is no charge to attend. For non-members, the $25 fee to attend includes a one-year membership. Refreshments will be served. More information and advance registration can be found at 2016cleanwater4nc.eventbrite.com.

LaPlaca has worked in energy policy and politics for over 30 years in Arizona, Colorado and now North Carolina. In her work, she has challenged the concepts of clean coal and carbon sequestration and, a news release said, helping “advocates around the U.S. understand the technical and procedural aspects of stopping outdated and dangerous coal-fired plants.”

LaPlaca served as policy adviser to an elected utilities commissioner, helping to pass one of the strongest energy efficiency goals in the nation. Her expertise includes solar, wind, net metering, natural gas and coal power plants, transmission, the energy-water nexus and fracking.

Clean Water for North Carolina is a 32-year-old statewide organization committed to working with communities for safe, affordable water and environmental justice. Offices are in Asheville and Durham. The website is www.cwfnc.org.