The concerned citizens of Claiborne County are requesting the immediate cease of spraying toxic Roundup (Glyphosate) by Powell Valley Electric Company now and in the future on private property near residential homes, within feet of citizens’ gardens, in close proximity to pets and farm animals, and along creeks, streams and rivers polluting our environment, threatening human health and endangering species for years and decades to come.

The primary concern with utilizing this harmful herbicide to reduce foliage under power lines, is the scientifically proven links Glyphosate has as a carcinogen. Even low dose exposure has been linked with various forms of cancer including Non-Hodgkins Lymphoma, brain cancer and breast cancer. Other diseases linked to Roundup include Alzheimer’s disease, birth defects, chronic kidney and liver disease, Parkinson’s disease, Multiple Sclerosis, and Lou Gehrig’s disease to name a few.

We understand the concern of the electric company with the goal of maintaining healthy power lines, providing each citizens’ home with electricity, warmth in the winter, and a high quality of life year round. However, there are many alternative solutions to maintaining power line safety. Many of the areas are accessible by mowing machines, which would also create many jobs for the citizens of the county. In addition, with given proper notice, citizens should at least have the opportunity to choose to keep the land clear for themselves versus having their private property sprayed by cancer causing toxins. Prior to the spraying this summer, citizens were not given notice, warned of the dangers, or given an option to clear the line themselves.

Although spraying Roundup is a quick solution, the long term devastating effects will long outlast this generation and Powell Valley Electric Cooperative will be responsible for the pollution of Claiborne County’s land, water and the declining health of its citizens and wildlife. The Concerned Citizens of Claiborne County are gearing up for a full petition, we will be contacting our Senator and Representatives, showing up at all meetings, and as members of this Cooperative, our voices will be heard.