FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
October 29, 2024
Community Stands United Against Dominion's Proposed Gas Plant at Chesterfield People's Hearing
CONTACT:Glen Besa, Friends of Chesterfield Board Chair and Founder
804-387-6001 | glenbesa@gmail.com
Chesterfield, VA – Close to 150 community members, local leaders and advocates gathered today for the Friends of Chesterfield People’s Hearing to voice their concerns about Dominion Energy’s proposed gas-fired power plant. The event provided a platform for residents to share how this harmful project would affect their health, environment and wallets.
“The proposed gas plant is a ticking time bomb, silently threatening the lives of Chesterfield’s residents and surrounding communities,” said María Alvarado, a longtime Chesterfield resident and CASA member. “Every breath we take is at risk. It's not just about today – it’s about the long-term health and survival of our community.”
“We're at a crossroads where we must decide what kind of legacy we want to leave for future generations,” said Delegate Debra Gardner (House District 76). “Our families deserve clean air, our children deserve a future free from climate disasters, and our economy deserves investments that create lasting, sustainable growth. It's time for bold leadership, and the Chesterfield community has made it clear: they want real progress, not more pollution.”
“With over 1,100 tons of annual toxic air pollution projected, this plant would disproportionately impact vulnerable communities," said Delegate Michael Jones (HD 77). "We cannot afford to burden our residents with decades more of pollution, especially when cleaner, more sustainable energy alternatives are readily available. It’s time we prioritize the health of our community and our climate commitments over fossil fuel investments that contradict Virginia's clean energy future.”
The proposed plant, to be located in a community already suffering from pollution caused by Dominion’s nearby coal plant, has sparked widespread opposition from local residents, environmental groups and health advocates. At tonight’s hearing, attendees voiced concerns about the long-term environmental and health consequences this project would have on Chesterfield County and beyond.
"At a time when we should be investing in clean energy that benefits all Virginians, this project endangers the health of our most vulnerable residents and undermines our state's environmental progress,” said Delegate Rae Cousins (HD 79). “Virginians deserve better—we need energy solutions that create jobs, safeguard public health and lower costs for working families. It's time to move forward, not backward, in building a clean, sustainable future for Virginia.”
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Friends of Chesterfield is a community-based group in Chesterfield County dedicated to bringing residents together around the issues that impact our lives. Friends of Chesterfield was formed in 2023 in response to Dominion Energy’s proposed 1000-megawatt methane gas power plant.
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