Katherine Egland and Dr. Krystal Martin are in the UK from Monday 27 April to Friday 1 May and are available for interview. For details contact Des Hinton-Beales [email protected]<mailto:[email protected]> 07464743238
Community Leaders and environmental groups slam Drax executives for dodging their own shareholder meeting with online-only approach London, UK — Representatives for communities impacted by Drax’s pellet production in the US have travelled to the UK for the company’s Annual General Meeting on Thursday 30 April. Katherine Egland, Chair of the Environmental and Climate Justice Committee for the National Board of Directors of National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP), and Dr. Krystal Martin, Community Organizer and Founder of Greater Greener Gloster Project have condemned the company for its continued failure to engage transparently with shareholders and frontline communities. This is in response to the company moving its Annual General Meeting (AGM) online while facing mounting scrutiny over its environmental practices. Egland and Dr. Martin represent communities where Drax operates a wood pellet plant that has been hit with multi-million dollar fines for breaching clean air limits and is the subject of multiple lawsuits from ex-workers and nearby residents who say their health has been impacted. They have both travelled from the United States to attend the company’s AGM in London, but they say that Drax’s CEO and Board can’t even be bothered to catch the train down from Yorkshire. Egland has written to Will Gardiner, Drax’s CEO, and members of its Board, to ask to speak with them in person. Drax responded and Will Gardiner has declined to meet with her. This is in line with previous years, as both Egland and Dr. Martin have repeatedly asked to meet with the Drax CEO, and he has yet to agree to a meeting in the UK. Criticism has intensified following the treatment of Egland and Dr. Martin at last year’s Drax AGM. Both women purchased shares in Drax and travelled from communities in the southeastern US directly impacted by the company’s wood pellet operations, only to face “intentional and deliberate attempts to silence our voices” when attempting to raise legitimate concerns. “After going through several layers of security, our bags were searched and seized with all the contents before we were allowed to enter,” said Egland. “We were not allowed to retrieve anything from our bags, even though they contained only our personal items, including our cell phones and an iPad. By the time we were allowed to enter, the meeting had already started. Once we were inside we were able to raise our hands to be in the queue to ask questions. However, before we could speak, the meeting abruptly ended, allegedly due to security and safety concerns.” They say their experiences represent a broader pattern of disregard for those living with the real-world consequences of Drax’s UK billpayer-subsidised business model. “This is not just about shareholder rights — it’s about basic respect for communities on the frontlines of environmental harm,” said Egland. “We were treated as inconveniences rather than valued stakeholders with critical insights.”
Drax executives hiding behind a screen This year, Drax’s decision to hold a virtual-only AGM has intensified concerns that the company is deliberately avoiding scrutiny. The absence of physical attendance by board members, including CEO Will Gardiner, raises serious questions about transparency and accountability at a time when the company faces increasing public and political pressure. Katherine Egland's letter to Gardiner seeking an explanation for his decision not to attend the AGM in person reflects growing frustration among affected communities and shareholders who feel shut out of meaningful dialogue. “If Drax has nothing to hide, why not face us directly?” she asked. The broader move toward virtual AGMs has also drawn criticism within the UK House of Lords, where members have raised concerns that such formats can limit shareholder participation and reduce opportunities for robust challenge. While online meetings were widely adopted during the pandemic, there is increasing unease about their continued use as a means of controlling or restricting engagement. Drax’s actions should be viewed in the context of a series of damaging investigations into its environmental impact. Reports have highlighted allegations of sourcing wood from ecologically sensitive forests in North America and questioned the company’s claims around carbon neutrality. These revelations have intensified scrutiny from media, policymakers, and civil society alike. “Drax is running scared,” Senior Advocate for NRDC (Natural Resources Defense Council) Matt Williams said. “Instead of addressing the serious concerns raised by independent investigations and impacted communities, the company is retreating behind a screen.” Katherine Egland and Dr. Krystal Martin are calling on Drax to reinstate a fully accessible, in-person AGM and to commit to meaningful engagement with all shareholders — particularly those from communities directly affected by its operations. As pressure mounts, Drax must decide whether it will continue to evade scrutiny or finally take responsibility for its actions.
QUOTES
Katherine Egland, Chair of the Environmental and Climate Justice Committee for the National Board of Directors of National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) "Drax's presence in Gloster has been marked by broken promises and environmental harm. From air pollution violations to unfulfilled commitments, our community has borne the brunt of their operations. Attending the AGM is our way of holding Drax accountable. We are not just statistics; we are people who deserve clean air, respect, and genuine investment in our future."
Dr. Krystal Martin, Community Organizer and Founder of Greater Greener Gloster Project "As a lifelong resident of Gloster, I've witnessed firsthand the promises made by Drax and the reality of their impact on our community. Despite their claims of sustainability, their operations have led to multiple environmental violations, including hazardous air pollutant releases and significant fines. At Drax’s AGM, we demand accountability. It's time Drax stops using our town as a sacrifice zone and starts prioritizing the health and wellbeing of its residents."
Des Hinton-Beales Biomass Communications Consultant
