This weekend featured at least 6 pieces on the power plant. Obviously, this issue is not going away! Whether you're reading the Washington Post, the Richmond Times Dispatch, or Raising Kaine, it's clear that this issue isn't going away.
The articles spanned many different issues related to the plant. Sunday's Washington Post Metro Sections featured a front page story on the power plant. Tim Craig focused on the politics of the plant, noting Governor Kaine's support for the plant even in light of growing opposition from the faith community and local leaders like Gerry Connelly.
Governor Kaine tries to pass the buck, noting that the decision is up to the SCC and the DEQ. However, the process was thrown for a twist last week when the Air Pollution Control Board took control of the DEQ permit. An editorial in the Virginia Pilot commended this decision, arguing that the high levels of pollution and controversy over the permit require the type of scrutiny only the board can give.
The biggest indicator that this issue is rising in the public sphere were four separate letters-to-the-editor published over the weekend. Reverend Pat Watkins addressed faith and the power plant in the Richmond Times Dispatch. Eleanor Whitaker provides a contrast of the different energy paths we can take in the Roanoke Times. Chris Lewellyn of Williamsburg argues for the need to invest in clean energy in the Daily Press. Finally, David Muhly with the Sierra Club questions Dominions use of "facts" in an op-ed in the Bristol Herlad Courier.
The clock is ticking, the public has spoken. The question on everyone's mind is, where is Governor Kaine on all this?