Governor Kaine was on 1140 AM radio (Richmond) this morning. Among other topics, there were two callers asking about our favorite subject, the Wise County power plant.
The first caller (not on the podcast, which only covers the second half of the show for some reason) pointed out that the proposed coal-fired power plant in Wise County will increase air pollution, will cost Virginia ratepayers a lot of money, and -- as Dominion has now admitted -- will NOT capture carbon. The question was, essentially, "how bad does a project like this have to be in order for you to stop supporting it?"
In response, Gov. Kaine talked (as he often does) about the SCC and DEQ permits and how he doesn't have a hand in those processes. Kaine also restated his point that coal as an energy source will not be eliminated, but will get smaller and cleaner. Kaine talked about renewables, but frankly the key isn't talk but action in setting strong mandates for renewable power portofolios. Kaine went on to claim that this plant will be better than past plants and even said that one day it could capture carbon.
Now, we all know that an empty lot and a dream do not make this plant carbon capture compatible, but Governor Kaine erroneously seems to think so. Kaine also mentioned Dominion's plans to clean up the Bremo plant, which is the dirtiest power plant in the state. The absurd thing is that Dominion has to clean that plant up anyway, but has been saying that it will only do so if it gets to build the Wise County plant. Incredible chutzpah.
When the show's host asked Gov. Kaine about the economic benefits of the plant for Wise County, Kaine actually claimed it would be an economic benefit for the whole state! With all due respect, that's just completely false. In fact, a member of the SCC staff, in his testimony on the plant, projected a net LOSS of over 1,400 jobs in Virginia as a result of rate increases associated with the plant. Is that good for Virginia's economy? Obviously not. And will it be good for Virginia's economy when Congress passes mandatory carbon caps, sharply raising the price of coal-fired power to consumers throughout the state? No again.
The second caller (Diana from Wise County) noted that the proposed coal-fired power plant will increase air pollution, cost Virginia ratepayers a lot of money, and -- as Dominion has now admitted -- NOT capture carbon. Diana also pointed out that Virginia is ranked towards the bottom of all states in terms of energy efficiency, that Virginia has 30,000 megawatts in wind power potential, that the governor of Kansas recently banned the construction of new coal-fired power plants in that state, that carbon sequestration is at least 10 years away, and that the Wise County plant will be a major source of pollution if built. The question, essentially, was, "why are you not leading us into a cleaner energy future."
In response, Gov. Kaine said he's trying really hard, but that the future "is not going to be a no-coal future." The problem is, another coal-fired power plant will wipe out all the gains in terms of greenhouse gas reductions that might come from citizen conservation over the next few years. Looks like it's time for Gov. Kaine to try a lot harder on this issue.
P.S. Here is what coal mining pollution does to public health in coal-mining communities. Not pretty.
We should be boosting clean alternatives. There's a whole new industry with better paying, cleaner, and safer jobs out there waiting to be developed. An energy industry that will be healthier for all people and for the environment as well.
Until it is developed, however, I'd also urge greater conservation efforts to reduce the need for coal and gasoline too.
Perhaps (hopefully) someday we will be talking about a no-coal future and a no-coal present. But for now, it's about stopping any NEW coal plants.
Governor, there is a big difference.
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But posting the same comment on every related diary is getting old. Please show some restraint.