Several of the resolutions that went to a vote received high votes, such as 52.7% and 36.1% support on coal ash resolutions at Ameren and FirstEnergy, respectively, and a vote of 31.4% for a first-time resolution relating to risks from reliance on coal at FirstEnergy. "The strong votes on coal ash disposal demonstrate that a significant portion of shareholders require increased transparency on the companies' efforts to reduce the environmental and health hazards associated with coal combustion waste," said Larisa Ruoff, Director of Shareholder Advocacy for Green Century Capital Management and lead filer on the resolutions with FirstEnergy and Southern. Water Scarcity In response to shareholder requests, Dominion, Southern Company and PPL Corporation agreed to significantly expand reporting and disclosure on water availability risks and plans for mitigating those risks. Power plants account for 40% of the nation's freshwater withdrawals.