In a momentous victory for clean energy advocates in Virginia, a Richmond Circuit Court judge ruled today that the State Air Pollution Control Board violated federal environmental law in permitting Dominion Power’s coal-fired power plant in Wise County in the southwest corner of the state. Continue reading
1Sky and CCAN hold "Beach Parties" to Press Sen. Webb to Support Clean Energy Jobs Bill
On the first day of the U.S. Senate’s summer recess, community leaders and activists from 1Sky and the Chesapeake Climate Action Network hosted a “Beach Party” in front of Senator Webb’s office to demand support for a comprehensive clean energy jobs bill in the U.S. Senate. Continue reading
Coal Lobbyists Stooped to New Lows in Effort to Kill Clean Energy Bill
Letters sent to Congressman Tom Perriello (D-5th Dist.) from at least six Charlottesville-based minority groups opposing the American Clean Energy and Security Act were forged, the Charlottesville Daily Progress reported today. Congressman Perriello, a freshman Congressman from the Charlottesville area was considered a swing vote on the legislation. It is unclear whether other Congressmen received similar fake letters. Continue reading
Climate Change Legislation Requires Changes to Protect Consumers and Environment
A coalition of 25 leading national consumer groups and grassroots environmental organizations has formed to urge the Senate to improve sweeping climate change legislation passed by the House of Representatives by stripping out the corporate giveaways and including strong protections for struggling energy consumers and the environment. Continue reading
Supporters Demand Senate Restore Global Warming Authority to EPA
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE July 7, 2009
Supporters Demand Senate Restore Global Warming Authority to EPA
WASHINGTON, July 7, 2009-As Environmental Protection Agency Administrator Lisa Jackson testified before the Environment and Public Works Committee today, grassroots advocates turned out in force to demand restoration of the EPA’s authority to regulate global warming pollution from dirty coal plants.
“We’re asking the Senate to empower the EPA,” said Katherine McEachern, a recent Cornell University graduate who now works at the Chesapeake Climate Action Network. “I know our Senators are up to the task of tackling global warming, but it’s also imperative that they give the EPA back its authority to regulate these filthy coal plants.”
Last month the House of Representatives successfully passed H.R. 2454, a 1,400-page cap-and-trade bill that was the result of months of negotiations. In a highly controversial compromise, the House repealed the Clean Air Act provision that empowered the EPA to regulate carbon pollution from dirty coal plants.
Without this provision, the Obama Administration is powerless to stop hundreds of old, dirty coal plants from spewing global warming pollution into the air. Some of the biggest climate polluters on the planet could be let off the hook.
Even worse, the coal industry is trying to build at least 100 more dirty coal plants. For years, environmental and citizen groups have blocked these plants. Right now the Chesapeake Climate Action Network is fighting two proposed coal plants in Virginia alone. If this Clean Air Act provision is eliminated, local groups may be unable to stop another generation of dependence on dirty coal.
Today marked the beginning of a week-long series of hearings and high-level meetings aimed at producing a Senate complement to the House climate bill. Joining Administrator Jackson were Secretary of Energy Stephen Chu, Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack, Secretary of Interior Ken Salazar, and more.
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Chalk Point Plant Sued For "Major and Ongoing Violations" of Federal Anti-Pollution Laws
The Chesapeake Climate Action Network and three Maryland residents have filed a federal lawsuit against Mirant Chalk Point, LLC, the operator of the coal-fired power plant located on the Patuxent River at Swanson Creek in Prince George’s County in the Washington, D.C. area, and its parent company, Atlanta-based Mirant Mid-Atlantic, LLC. The complaint alleges hundreds of violations of the Clean Air Act related to the plant’s combustion of residual fuel oil without the required pollution control equipment. Continue reading
CCAN Statement on ACES
U.S. House bill on global warming is weak and needs major improvements in Senate. CCAN calls on President Obama to become more engaged in America’s last, best chance to solve the climate crisis. Continue reading
CCAN Congratulates City of Charlottesville for Leading on Energy Efficiency
Governor Tim Kaine joined Dominion CEO Thomas Farrell, Charlottesville Mayor Dave Norris and others today to launch a program using the smart grid and smart meters. The program, initiated by Dominion Virginia Power, will usher in advances in energy efficiency and provide customer and environmental benefits for the city of Charlottesville but must be complemented by a statewide commitment to energy efficiency. Continue reading
Coal Plant Opponents Embrace Wise County Wind Plans
The Wise Energy for Virginia Coalition, the leading opponents of Dominion’s plans for a coal-fired power plant in Wise County, joined The Clinch Coalition today to announce their support for Dominion’s preliminary plans to build a wind farm in Wise County. Dominion has partnered with BP Energy to explore the potential of wind energy facilities in southwest Virginia. Continue reading
Small-Business Leaders, Local Residents Lead Green Jobs Tour
Local small-business owners and residents of Prince George’s County hosted a tour of area clean energy businesses today to drive home the point that investment in a clean energy economy will have quick economic benefits and create jobs here at home. Speakers pointed to the massive potential for expansion of these businesses and further job creation, and encouraged Congresswoman Edwards and House Majority Leader Hoyer to continue efforts to pass a strong clean energy jobs bill. In the past month, over 15,000 small business leaders have signed a pledge to support a clean energy economy. Continue reading