SELC LTE: McDonnell - Wrong on Drilling

by: Eileen

Mon Sep 14, 2009 at 07:25:01 AM EST

Gubernatorial candidate Bob McDonnell has erred in touting offshore drilling for oil and gas as a way to replenish state coffers. Federal law limits the sharing of oil and gas revenue to the Gulf states of Louisiana, Texas, Mississippi and Alabama. According to all reports, Congress is not likely to expand this program. In fact, the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee has rejected a proposal to expand the program.

So, even if one supports oil and gas drilling, it would be erroneous to do so on the grounds that the commonwealth would benefit from any of the revenue.

Despite McDonnell's public statements to the contrary, offshore oil and gas drilling in Virginia is not 'already set.' The U.S. Minerals Management Service has only just begun to review a potential lease sale in Virginia; thus no decision has been made.

The Southern Environmental Law Center opposes a potential lease sale in Virginia because the minuscule amount of oil and gas it would yield is simply not worth the enormous consequences that the drilling would have on commercial and sport fishing, coastal tourism and ocean life, including endangered whales and turtles. (Not to mention that the area in question overlaps with sensitive Department of Defense and NASA operations in the Atlantic.)

Rather, federal and state leaders should be focusing time and money on developing noncarbon based energy sources including the tremendous offshore wind potential that Virginia has.

Marirose Pratt, Charlottesville

Coalition to Keep Surry Clean Rally with Brian Moran

by: Eileen

Tue Jun 02, 2009 at 06:48:26 AM EST

Beth Roach, on behalf of the grassroots group, provided opening remarks, talking about the permanent damage an industrial plant such as the one proposed, could impose on the small, sleepy town of Dendron, population 300.  

"Brian Moran's press conference in Surry [yesterday] was very inspiring" said Dr. Christine Llewellyn of Williamsburg, 18 miles downwind from the proposed plant.  "It was so refreshing to hear in person a candidate who understands that burning coal for electricity is old technology and would not be part of our new energy mix if he becomes governor".

Brian Moran is the only candidate for Governor to oppose the new coal plant.

"It's time we get serious about a clean energy system that protects our environment and creates thousands of green energy jobs," Moran said. "We can't solve our 21st century energy challenges with 19th century fossil fuels. We need new solutions like wind and solar energy that can create jobs and won't damage our environment and risk our children's health. I'm proud to be here with local leaders in the community. Standing up for the environment isn't easy. We need to say no to a coal fired mega plant in Surry and say yes to clean renewable energy."

"The proposed site is located approximately 50 miles from two of the biggest population centers in the Commonwealth. Richmond and Hampton Roads would feel the brunt of the increased CO2 emissions, smog and coal ash," continued Moran. "Additionally, the plant would increase the pollution in the Chesapeake Bay at the same time as we are spending millions to clean up the Bay". This last remark drew a great round of applause from the crowd.

Beth in her remarks also mentioned the 14.6 million tons CO2/year produced by the Surry plant and its equivalence to the emissions of 3 million more vehicles on our roads. She mentioned plant pollution of 118 lbs mercury/year and how 1/70 teaspoon in a 25 acre lake makes the fish unsafe to eat. Betsy unfortunately forgot to mention the 176 acre fly ash dump proposed for the site.

"I think it's important for Virginia voters to know where the next governor will stand," Moran said, urging the crowd to keep up their good work. "You start to become a one issue voter," added the Coalition's Betsy Shepherd, as folks gathered up both No Coal Plant and Brian Moran yard signs following the rally.

The rally was held prior to a vote by the Dendron Town Council on an issue regarding planning jurisdiction and permitting authority between the Town of Dendron and Surry County. More information on the meeting will be posted later, along with a transcript of Beth Roach's remarks.