On October 17 – 18, Governor McDonnell is holding his second Virginia Energy Conference. Based on his track record we expect more of the same: coal, gas, oil, nuclear, with limited commitment to renewable energy. We need to turn this around to safeguard our air and water and begin to address climate change.
Here’s [...]
At a number of locations throughout Virginia, Sierrans participated in 350.org’s “Moving Planet” on Saturday, Sept. 24. Check out all our photos (thanks, Hannah and Jennifer) and video (thanks, Irene Lane!).
Dominion, Virginia’s largest utility, announced that it will phase out two of its oldest and dirtiest coal fired power plants. The Chesapeake and Yorktown plants will end operations by 2016 and 2015 respectively. This announcement comes just days after GenOn Energy, Inc. announced that it had decided to phase out the Potomac Generating Station.
On August 16th, 17th, and 18th, the Wise Energy for Virginia Coalition will launch a Clean Energy Tour to draw attention to the health risks of air pollution from coal-fired power plants at tour stops in Virginia Beach, Richmond, and Alexandria.
Burning coal to generate electricity produces toxic pollutants like soot and smog, which aggravate [...]
While Governor McDonnell was inside the Marriott Hotel in Richmond at a breakfast with coal industry officials this morning, citizens’ groups were outside protesting a coal industry bill before the General Assembly that would impede the state’s enforcement of clean water laws, making it easier for companies to cut costs by polluting Virginia’s waterways. The [...]
Just two weeks ago the EPA took bold action to limit mountaintop removal coal mining when they stopped the massive Spruce Mine No. 1 in West Virginia because of its severe impacts on water quality. That action gives us hope that the EPA will apply the same principles in Virginia to deny a permit for [...]
Check out this great new video (below) from the National Parks Conservation Association, produced by Amy Broad, and “starring” Dr. Chris Llewellyn, Misti Wright Furr, Betsy Shepard, Bob Burnley, Joe Bouchard, Chris Moore, among others! Then take action!
Click here to send a message to the Army Corps that we don’t need another [...]
UPDATE: Check out this great video from the National Parks Conservation Association!
Virginia’s largest proposed coal-fired power plant has officially been postponed! Old Dominion Electric Co-op (ODEC) has announced it will delay applications for air pollution permits for the massive plant for up to two years.
Yet, the company says it has “no intention of turning back.” [...]
Great news from the Wise Energy for Virginia Coalition:
The Wise Energy for Virginia Coalition lauded Old Dominion Electric Cooperative’s announcement today to delay plans for what would be the largest coal-fired power plant in Virginia. The temporary halt will allow the company, its customers, government officials and the conservation community to explore alternatives that will [...]
From Kate Pollard, Sierra Club’s Beyond Coal Virginia coordinator.
Coal Ash. It’s Toxic. It’s Everywhere. We Must Act Now.
Right now communities across Virginia, and throughout the country, are exposed to heavy metals such as arsenic, lead and mercury when hazardous materials from coal ash disposal sites seep into our drinking water. The result — increased [...]
Make a donation to the Virginia Chapter Sierra Club today!
