Question - In what state would a regulatory agency approve a project with absolutely no idea how much it will cost taxpayers?Question - In what state would a regulatory agency approve a project with absolutely no idea how much it will cost taxpayers?
Answer - Virginia:
Dominion Virginia Power's plan to build a coal-burning power plant in southwest Virginia cleared a major hurdle Monday when it was approved by the State Corporation Commission.But environmentalists, who argue that the plant would increase the emission of greenhouse gases that have been linked to global climate change, are stepping up their pressure on Gov. Timothy M. Kaine (D) to block the project. Dozens of students and environmental activists said they are planning to picket Kaine's office Monday afternoon.
Dominion will pass the cost of building the project on to ratepayers over a period of years, although company officials said they cannot yet estimate how much the average bill might go up.
Will it cost us $1.8 billion? Can't say for sure since the cost of the plant keeps going up. How much would a national limit on carbon emissions drive up rates? Couldn't tell you.
The proposed plant now goes to the Air Pollution Control Board.