***For immediate release***
***PHOTO OPPORTUNITY***

August 13, 2007
www.climateconvergence.org

***5 arrested protesting Bank of America’s investments in coal and climate change***
Asheville Police Department uses electric shock on defenseless nonviolent protestors.

As a culmination of the Southeast Convergence for Climate Action, activists took a bold direct action against Bank of America, demanding they stop investing in coal and climate injustice. Although there was much speculation regarding a protest action at the Progress Energy Skyland coal-fired power plant, protestors surprised the downtown office of Bank of America. “We went to Bank of America to show that power companies are not solely responsible for fueling climate chaos,” explained Stephanie Whitaker.

Bank of America has lent hundreds of millions of dollars to companies that run and are planning to build new power plants, such as Florida Power and Light. Between 2005 and 2007, Bank of America facilitated nearly $1 billion in loans to Massey Energy and Arch Coal, two of the largest companies responsible for the destructive practice of mountaintop removal coal mining. This form of mining literally blasts the tops off of mountains to get at thin seems of coal that lie beneath. Mountaintop removal coal mining has permanently destroyed over 500 square miles of mountains and buried over 1,200 miles of streams in West Virginia alone.

Two activists locked down inside the main lobby and other activists blockaded the entrance to the downtown branch of Bank of America. The protest included a large, lively group of concerned citizens dressed as canaries and polar bears. Activists carried signs and banners that read: “Bank of America: Climate Criminal”, “Bank of America Stop Mountaintop Removal,” and “Climate Justice Now.” Some members of the protest spoke to the engaged crowd about saving the mountains of Appalachia and the sacrifice people in these hills are forced to make for corporate profit and advocated a swift and just transition to renewable energy.

Several activists entered the bank, delivering coal to tellers and other customers and exposing Bank of America’s involvement in climate change. The activists inside used bicycle locks to prevent their removal from the building until Bank of America agreed to stop funding coal. Asheville Police Department responded by repeatedly using high voltage electric shock devices, known as Tasers, on the defenseless protesters. These devices have been implicated in a number of deaths around the country. “For the APD to use electric shock, a common torture technique, on peaceful protestors is a violation of human rights, and we will be pursuing legal recourse,” said Jeff McKinley.

The Southeast Convergence for Climate Action happened simultaneously with a Climate Convergence on the west coast focused on fighting liquefied natural gas terminals, and in conjunction with the UK Camp for Climate Action taking place at London’s Heathrow airport.

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