SCC Approves New Gas Plant in Chesterfield County
On Tuesday, the State Corporation Commission approved Dominion Energy’s permit for a new gas plant in Chesterfield County, in the heart of Senate District 15 which I represent, and subsequent rate hikes for Virginians. As highlighted in previous newsletters, I have stood with the Chesterfield NAACP, environmental and environmental justice groups, and fellow legislators against this proposed plant due to concerns about pollution-related impacts, carbon emissions, and conflicts with existing Virginia law, including the Virginia Clean Economy Act. My full statement is as follows:
“As a legislator who represents the area in which this gas peaker plant will be sited and who has been engaged in raising concerns about it for nearly two years, I have heard from those who live in this community as well as legislators from across the Commonwealth who understand not only what this decision means for the residents of Chesterfield County, but also the precedent it sets for Virginia.
“Rather than meeting Virginia’s commitments to transition to clean, renewable energy by 2050, this ruling by the State Corporation Commission takes Virginia backwards while also ignoring the Commonwealth’s policy on environmental justice, endangering the public health and safety of communities, and burdening families who are already financially strained with rate increases to cover the high costs of the plant.
“Cheaper, cleaner, and reliable alternatives exist and have been deployed across our state and nation to meet our ever-increasing energy needs. We must continue the Commonwealth’s investment in cleaner, more affordable solutions that advance environmental justice and meet Virginia’s energy needs.”
