Published: June 9, 2009
A coalition of environmental groups opposed to Dominion Resources Inc.'s coal-fired power plant in Wise County said they support the utility company's proposal for a wind farm in the county.
Richmond-based Dominion and BP Wind Energy are considering building wind energy projects in Wise and Tazewell counties in Southwest Virginia.
"We're often criticized as being opposed to everything," said Glen Besa with the Sierra Club's Virginia Chapter, "and we wanted to make it clear that we are in favor of clean energy projects."
Appalachian Voices, Southern Appalachian Mountain Stewards, the Chesapeake Climate Action Network, the Sierra Club, the Southern Environmental Law Center and The Clinch Coalition joined in backing the Mill Creek wind project in Wise.
Four of the groups -- Appalachian Voices, Southern Appalachian Mountain Stewards, the Chesapeake Climate Action Network and the Sierra Club-- are opposing Dominion's Virginia City coal plant in court.
Although the coal power plant is under construction, a challenge to the facility's air permit is set for trial in July.
"We appreciate the support we're receiving for our proposed wind-energy project in Wise County," said Dominion spokesman Ryan Frazier.
"The support has been broad, coming from the environmental community, the coal industry, and county citizens and elected officials," Frazier said. "BP Wind Energy and Dominion believe Mill Creek would be a great asset to the county and the region."
The environmental groups did not take a position on the Tazewell proposal. "We haven't had a chance to review it in as much detail," Besa said, noting that each such project is unique in its impacts.
Though Dominion has said the size of the projects has not been determined, the environmental coalition said the proposed Wise County wind plant could generate as much as 150 megawatts of electricity.
Contact Peter Bacqué at (804) 649-6813 or pbacque@timesdispatch.com.
http://www.timesdispatch.com/rtd/business/energy/article/B-WIND09_20090608-220002/272666/
Tuesday, June 9, 2009
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