After Weeks of Historic Climate Disasters, Dominion Plans More Fossil Fuels

RICHMOND, VA — Today, Dominion Energy released its 2024 Integrated Resource Plan, a planning document that contemplates keeping all of the monopoly utility’s 19 fossil fuel generators online and building a half dozen new fossil fuel units. The plan comes on the heels of Hurricane Helene, a 225- to 250-billion-dollar disaster that claimed hundreds of lives and, experts say, was made significantly more destructive by climate change caused by burning fossil fuel. Hurricane Helene caused an estimated 125 million dollars in damages to farmland alone in Southwest Virginia. 

Dominion’s plan envisions increasing customer bills by 75% to 157% over the next 15 years to meet demand driven by data centers, including by investing in exorbitantly expensive new nuclear facilities and gas peaking plants, the two most expensive forms of new generation. Relying on gas is as bad or worse for the climate as coal due to methane leakage throughout the lifecycle of the fuel. The plan also includes a significant investment in clean energy mandated by the Virginia Clean Economy Act.

“Dominion has, once again, put forward a plan to accelerate climate change in the Commonwealth,” said Victoria Higgins, CCAN’s Virginia Director. “Dominion’s plan would significantly increase pollution in Virginia, putting us knowingly in the way of natural disasters like Hurricane Helene – and worse. Scientists have been clear that new fossil fuel infrastructure is an existential threat to our people and economy. While we’re glad to see Dominion intends to build a significant amount of clean energy, no plan that also includes new, polluting fossil fuel infrastructure is a serious proposal in the face of these horrific impacts to human lives and our economy. Regulators and lawmakers must reign in Dominion’s reckless plans, and ensure data centers are coming to the table to plan for a clean energy future that is affordable for all Virginians.”

Not included in Dominion’s plan is any nod to the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative, a carbon cap-and-invest program required by Virginia law from which Governor Glenn Youngkin is currently attempting to remove the state. By pulling Dominion and other monopoly utilities out of the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative, Governor Youngkin deprives Virginia of hundreds of millions of dollars each year for proactive flood preparedness to prevent the worst impacts of natural disasters, as well as funding for home weatherization for low-income families – many of whom live in the vulnerable Southwest region. 

The vast majority of the accelerating electricity-load growth in Dominion territory is tied to data centers, which increasingly house artificial intelligence operations. Under current Virginia law and regulatory policy, Virginia residents will pay for the generation and transmission costs associated with new generation infrastructure necessary to serve data centers. The State Corporation Commission is planning a technical conference in December to assess whether to change how to allocate energy costs associated with large energy users.

#   #   #

Chesapeake Climate Action Network is the first grassroots organization dedicated exclusively to raising awareness about the impacts and solutions associated with global warming in the Chesapeake Bay region. Founded in 2002, CCAN has been at the center of the fight for clean energy and wise climate policy in Maryland, Virginia, and Washington, DC.

Hurricane Helene Mutual Aid Resources

Our hearts are with the people of Appalachia, who are currently suffering brutal devastation from climate change-supercharged Hurricane Helene. Those affected need support now more than ever – click the link below to find out how you can lend a hand. 

Then, take action: Tell Congress: Strengthen FEMA’s Disaster Relief Fund for Hurricane Helene recovery

If you know of more resources that we have missed, email info@chesapeakeclimate.org

Carol Brantley Climate Justice Policy Fellowship

Chesapeake Climate Action Network’s Climate Justice Policy Fellows gain hands-on experience in policy advocacy at the state or national level, deepen their understanding of climate justice landscape, and make professional connections to build their careers. In partnership with the Earth Rising Foundation, the Fellowship prioritizes young people of color in Virginia, Maryland, and Washington, D.C. who are interested in gaining experience in the climate and environmental justice sectors. We have three positions available, one each with our Virginia, Maryland, and Federal teams.

About Us 

Chesapeake Climate Action Network (CCAN) is the only group in the Chesapeake region of Maryland, Virginia, and Washington D.C. dedicated exclusively to building a powerful grassroots movement to fight climate change. We envision an equitable energy future where truly clean power sources — such as solar and wind — sustain every aspect of our lives and dirty fossil fuels are phased out. We strive to include principles of justice and equity in every policy we advocate for, with the knowledge that racial and social justice is foundational to climate justice.

Our team is working on bold campaigns to reduce emissions at a scale that matches the climate crisis we face. For over a decade, we have been pushing the envelope of what’s “politically possible,” using every tool inside and outside the box—from organizing to lobbying to litigation. 

What You Will Do

Climate Change Policy Advocacy 

Working alongside our campaign teams, you’ll learn how to advocate for climate solutions effectively, from analyzing policy and meeting with decision-makers to building grassroots power through organizing and mobilizing volunteers. 

Research and Writing

Whether it’s a policy briefing, a Facebook post, or an email to our members, you’ll learn how to communicate effectively with diverse audiences. 

Campaign Strategies

You’ll participate in weekly meetings with your colleagues to learn how to plan campaigns, organize ambitious and impactful tactics, and evaluate successes and lessons learned. 

Administrative Duties and Team Expectations

You’ll be responsible for a weekly work plan, checking in with your manager to report your progress, and tracking your time and expenses.

Who you are 

  • Passionate about solving climate change (familiarity with climate issues is a plus, but not required!).
  • Committed to justice and amplifying the voices of those most impacted by fossil fuel extraction and the effects of climate change.
  • Able to manage time, work independently, and ask for feedback and support when needed. 
  • Excited to collaborate with and learn from a team.
  • A strong writer and researcher.

The Details

Fellows at CCAN work 10 to 20 hours per week over ten weeks and are paid $20 per hour. Fellows weekly schedule is determined by their availability in conjunction with their manager. 

The Maryland and Virginia Fellowships start Monday, January 6, and end Friday, March 21, 2025. The Maryland Fellow is based in our Takoma Park office and will work on-site at the Maryland General Assembly in Annapolis. The Virginia Fellow is based in our Richmond office and will work on-site at the Virginia General Assembly.

The Federal Fellowship starts Tuesday, January 21, and ends Friday, April 4, 2025. It is based in our Takoma Park office and will allow the Fellow to work on Capitol Hill in Washington, D.C.

Full time CCAN staff work a hybrid schedule. 

How to Apply

Please complete this Google form application by Tuesday, October 22, 2024. You will be prompted to answer a series of short questions and asked to submit a resume and writing sample.

CCAN provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws.

This policy applies to all employment terms and conditions, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation, and training.

About Carol

Carol Brantley served on CCAN’s board from January 2017 until her passing in 2018. Her passion for public service and climate justice inspired our staff and board. She was dedicated to mentoring and supporting young leaders in the climate and social justice movements, including the young Quakers she worked with, who created a team called Coolin’ 4 Carol in her honor for the 2019 Polar Bear Plunge. 

Carol was a deep thinker and regular meditator with a rich spiritual life. She lived a life of introspection, love, compassion, and loyalty. Her natural gift for connecting deeply touched a wide circle of lives—friends, family, clients, community—and left a formidable legacy. Carol embodied beauty and elegance with striking, memorable minimalism. She had known suffering and loss, leaving her compassionate and generous. She was widely respected, and we have been honored to know her and be warmed by her light.