In a huge victory for our climate, Washington state energy regulators have blocked a permit for a new coal-fired power plant:OLYMPIA -- State energy regulators have stopped the permit application for a coal-fueled power plant in southwest Washington until the builder meets requirements of a new climate change law.Washington joins Florida, Kansas, and Texas, states that have all canceled plans for new coal-fired power plants this year. On the other hand, Virginia is moving backwards, planning to invest $1.6 billion in ratepayers' money in a new coal-fired power plant in Wise County.In an order issued Tuesday, the state Energy Facility Site Evaluation Council has suspended the application from Energy Northwest until the public power consortium addresses how it will sequester carbon emissions.
But there are signs of change. Citing environmental concerns, officials in Botetourt County, just north of Roanoke, rejected a limestone quarry that would've been used in coal-fired power plants to reduce sulfur dioxide emissions.
What really excites me about all this is that you can feel the balance of power slowly shifting to give a little bit more leverage to the people that are concerned about global warming and mountain top removal. Granted, we will never be able to compete with the resources of the power companies (or any other big polluting industry for that matter), but something is definately happening. With every passing cancellation of new coal power plant the movement builds, and by virtue of their success, we get stronger.
We have a long way to go in Virginia with the proposed Wise County coal fired power plant, but this is our battle to win. There is nothing in me that believes that we can't accomplish what has been accomplished in so many other states. The grassroots will fight right here in Virginia, and our climate will win.
Want to be part of the solution -- sign this petition http://salsa.democracyinaction... right now, and stay involved so you can be part of the solution.