EAC Rallies to Save James Bay

Students outside the Kennedy School of Government rallied against Harvard's holdings in the Hydro-Quebec power company during New York Governor Mario Cuomo's Speech last night.

Protesters from the Environmental Action Committee (EAC) called for Cuomo to take action against the New York Power Authority, an electric company that is considering a contract with Hydro-Quebec.

Hydro-Quebec has drawn criticism for its controversial James Bay Project, which EAC members said is releasing harmful gases into five Quebec rivers and is threatening the existence of a local Native American tribe.

"Our intention is to encourage Cuomo and recruit him as an ally to come out against this officially," said EAC spokesperson Nicholas B. Kurzon '94.

Wearing a snorkel and a mask, Kurzon led approximately 30 EAC members and supporters in picket lines and chants of "Hey, hey Cuomo, just say no. Hydro-Quebec has got to go."

EAC members said they want Cuomo to server ties with the project because it violates environmental and human rights.

"This is a grave threat not only to [the Cree people's] lifestyle as hunters and fishers, but also to their survival," Kurzon said.

Both New York and Massachusetts receive energy from Hydro-Quebec.

Kurzon said that Harvard has about two million dollars worth of holdings in Hydro-Quebec and receives about four percent of its energy from the company, Kurzon said he based his claim on Cambridge Electric Light Company and Harvard Management Company figures.

In a letter to President Neil L. Rudenstine earlier this week, the EAC proposed a "complete divestment from Hydro-Quebec and an official denunciation of the project."

Members of the EAC said they hope to meet with Rudenstine during his office hours this afternoon to discuss the issue with him. They said they also plan to circulate a student petition next week and to send it to Governor William F. Weld '66.

"As customers [of the electric company], we have a right and indeed a responsibility to stand up against this," Kurzon said.