Leaders of Ohio Valley Environmental Advocates said the local, grassroots group wants to get the public answers about planned industrial development while raising awareness of possibilities for the development of clean energy-based businesses. The group brought together representatives of several related organizations to share information Saturday at Blue Stream Farms, a nonprofit organization that grows vegetables hydroponically.
Following the presentations, Frank Rocchio, the group’s president, said its goal is to gather information about the impact of any new industry that may enter the region. Rocchio said a 30-day public comment period often comes long after a business has applied for state or federal environmental permits and that gives little time for affected residents to learn more about the proposed opening of an industry near them.
“The point of Ohio Valley Environmental Advocates is to be that source of information,” he said, adding the group would like to see a meeting of industry officials and community members to discuss relevant issues.
“We want to be open to any type of development coming in. We simply want to be able to ask questions,” Rocchio said, adding a discussion between residents and the businesses should also include objective third-party experts.
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