At a time when Virginia - and the nation - must move towards a clean energy future, this $6 billion coal plant would be an outrageously giant step in the wrong direction.
A $6 billion mistake
Old Dominion Electric Cooperative (ODEC) plans to build a new $6 billion coal-fired power plant in Surry County. At $6 billion, this proposal is the most expensive of its kind in the history of the United States. It would lock local electric cooperative members into a costly, risky investment for decades, the amount of which could climb even higher as the price of fossil fuels becomes more volatile and current regulations requiring pollution control technology are more strictly enforced. Ultimately, each household within the cooperative could be responsible for $8,000 to $13,000 of the total cost of the plant.
The dangers of coal
As the largest coal plant in the commonwealth, the Surry County coal plant would have the highest emissions of dangerous chemicals. According to applications filed for necessary air permits, the coal plant would emit 110,000 pounds of toxins such as lead and mercury every single day, and all just over 30 miles from the Chesapeake Bay.
Efficiency First: A Better Option for ODEC
Neither Virginia, nor the ODEC service area, has demonstrated a need for a new coal-fired power plant. Actual energy demand has fallen far short of projections in recent years. Research shows that projected energy demand over the next 20 years could instead be met through the implementation of cost-effective, readily-available energy efficiency programs. Investing in efficiency could also create up to 10,000 jobs in the commonwealth and save consumers money.
CCAN is working with a coalition of organizations called Wise Energy for Virginia to make sure this plant doesn't become a reality. We are working with ODEC member-owners and community members in Surry County and downwind of the project in Hampton Roads to oppose this unnecessary project.
- Get Involved: To get involved with this campaign, email organizer Keith Thirion at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or 703-579-6645.
- Speak your Mind:If you're a member of one of these local electric cooperatives, all of which are members of ODEC, please click on the corresponding link below to send an email to the CEO of your cooperative, telling them that you oppose this plant!
Learn More
- "A Coal Plant's Drain on Health and Wealth." Chesapeake Bay Foundation, May 2011.
