The Latest News

Opponents chalk up two more victories against coal plant

added 11.21.11

Local citizens opposed to ODEC's plans for acostly and environmentally destructive coal plant in Hampton Roads continue to gain momentum.  On November 17, the Isle of Wight Board of Supervisors passed a resolution opposing the 1,500-megawatt power plant proposed for Surry County.

On November 18, Surry County Circuit Judge Sam Campbell ruled that the zoning for the proposed plant is void, agreeing with the citizens who filed suit that ODEC had rushed the approvals through and that the town of Dendron's public notice violated Virginia law.

As momentum gathers against ODEC's outmoded project, SELC and our allies in the Wise Energy For Virginia Coalition will continue to encourage ODEC make the switch to energy efficiency and other clean sources of electricity to meet the region's needs.

Read the Wise Energy For Virginia press release here.
 

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ODEC plant would threaten human health and burden economy, report says

added 5.24.11

According to a recent report by the Chesapeake Bay Foundation, ODEC's proposed plant could cause $200 million in annual health care costs, including an estimated 442 asthma attacks, 40 heart attacks, 3,340 lost work days, and 26 premature deaths across the mid-Atlantic states.  The report illustrates that the toll on human, environmental, and economic health from the massive coal plant in Surry would vastly outweigh the supposed benefits of the plant. 

In September 2010, ODEC announced that it would delay plans for the plant for up to two years.  However, it continues to pursue several permits necessary for the project.  With our partners in the Wise Energy for Virginia Coalition, SELC continues to oppose the plant and urge ODEC to pull the plug on this outmoded, costly, and environmentally hazardous project and instead pursue renewable energy sources and efficiency programs.

Read CBF's report: A Coal Plant's Drain on Health and Wealth (pdf)

Virginia Beach acts to oppose coal plant

added 1.25.11

The Virginia Beach City Council has voted unanimously to adopt the Virginia Beach Alternative Energy Task Force Report, which includes a recommendation that the city oppose plans by ODEC to build a massive coal-fired power plant in its airshed. The city also appointed an advisory panel that will work to implement the report's recommendations.

SELC and our partners in the Wise Energy for Virginia Coalition have worked diligently to apprise the council of the serious and lasting threats the plant would pose to its citizens, countering claims by ODEC in recent presentations to the council.

See the coalition's press release here.