(Here's a good update on the Surry coal plant from Kayti Wingfield, our Wise Energy for Virginia Coalition Coordinator. Thanks, Kayti! - promoted by Eileen)
 I attended the ODEC informational hearing on Wednesday as did many locals who don't necessarily need my convincing that the coal plant is a bad idea. They already know!
Over a hundred people showed up in Dendron at the Community Center at 5:00 PM. The crowd cleared out around 6:30 before the presentation began at 7:00 by ODEC's, David Smith, and we were left with around 50-60 people. Some of us have seen this presentation or heard this ridiculous explanation before --- it was the "everyone has a laptop now, everyone has a Wii, we have 3 TV's in our homes, therefore we need new generation."
After the presentation, an ODEC representative read questions from the crowd submitted earlier in the evening and allowed follow-ups from the person who asked the question. David Smith choked on a couple of questions. (Actually on one question he literally did start choking and had to defer to someone else to answer.) There were some really tough questions and the crowd took note. The questions will be posted at the "Cypress Creek" website cypresscreekpowerstation.com. All in all, the crowd was with us and both ODEC and DEQ fumbled on a lot of questions.
Disturbing Numbers Discovered at the Presentation:
14.6 million tons of CO2 per year
2,000 pounds of fly ash per hour
118 pounds of mercury per year
I have been meeting with the 11 member cooperatives CEO's and Chairpersons that make up ODEC. My sense is that ODEC's executives are telling these cooperatives that this plant is absolutely necessary and is the only way. The Energy Institute of America indicates that growth rates have dropped to 1% from 3% because of the economic recession. ODEC needs to reevaluate their growth numbers they use to necessitate this plant. My assessment on the cooperatives energy efficiency programs: THEY HAVE SO MUCH POTENTIAL because they barely have any and the ones they have are not effective.
We are 32nd in the Nation when it comes to energy efficiency according to the American Council for an Energy Efficiency Economy's 2008 state report (Click here to view.)We have potential for successful energy efficiency programs here in Virginia.
We have to tap into this massive load of unused power generation. We are able to create these programs and make them work and push off the need for this plant for at least 15 years. After 15 years will we need new generation? Maybe. But by then we WILL have the technology that is cleaner and hopefully greener that will save our mountains and protect our waters, air and the health of the citizens. I am not prepared to just accept a 1,500 MW plant that will spew CO2 and destroy mountains because ODEC is trying to sneak in a dirty coal plant fast before that technology is no longer a viable option.
Also, please note that ODEC President Jack Reasor used to be a Southwest State Representative, hmm... coal friend?
We have to change our ways and the time is now. Please stand in solidarity with thousands across the state in demanding a clean energy future for Virginia. And please write LTE's to your local papers and to spread the word to neighbors and friends. Go to the Wise Energy for Virginia website to more info on emailing ODEC. But mostly importantly, stay tuned and involved! More info will be coming out next week. |
