Press Center
To reach media contacts across SELC states and programs, check out our press room.
SCC asked to expedite filings related to interconnection requirements for small and mid-sized solar projects
On Friday, the Virginia Distributed Solar Alliance (VA-DSA) asked the State Corporation Commission (SCC) to reconsider parts of its order approving Dominion Energy’s interconnection requirements for mid-sized solar projects, including the requirement to use Direct...
Budget item ensures Virginia’s quick reentry into RGGI
RICHMOND, Va. — Late Friday Virginia’s return to the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative (RGGI) became even more imminent as Governor Abigail Spanberger signed the state’s “caboose” budget, which includes a provision requiring Virginia’s reentry to the successful program. During even number years in Virginia, like...
Clean energy efforts show promise at crossover
CHARLOTTESVILLE, Va. — This week marked the crossover period for the current legislative session in Virginia. At the halfway point, we are excited to see legislatures listening to Virginians and supporting cleaner energy. Bills expanding distributed generation, increasing energy efficiency, putting...
Trump administration proposal threatens ability of states, tribes, and local communities to protect clean water, SELC says to EPA
WASHINGTON — The Southern Environmental Law Center today warned EPA that its proposed rule regarding Section 401 of the Clean Water Act cuts states, tribes, and local communities’ ability to protect drinking water, rivers, streams, wetlands, and wildlife harmed by...
New study finds proposed xAI gas plant could worsen regional air pollution, cause millions of dollars in annual health damages
MEMPHIS, Tenn. — A new study found that xAI’s plans to install and operate more than 40 permanent methane gas turbines to power its Colossus 2 data center would significantly increase air pollution in...
Community and nonprofit groups appeal Chesterfield air permit
RICHMOND, Va. — Today, on behalf of the Chesterfield County branch of the NAACP, CASA Inc., Appalachian Voices, and Mothers Out Front, the Southern Environmental Law Center appealed the Virginia Department of Environmental Quality’s (DEQ)...
Groups threaten lawsuit over xAI’s unpermitted gas turbines in Mississippi
Notice alleges xAI built an illegal de facto power plant that is polluting Mississippi communities to power a data center SOUTHAVEN, Miss. — On Friday, the Southern Environmental Law Center and Earthjustice, on behalf of...
EPA repeals Endangerment Finding, caving to fossil fuel interests, and putting millions in harm’s way
WASHINGTON — Today, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) released a final rule repealing the 2009 Endangerment Finding, which confirmed EPA’s authority to regulate and protect the public from climate pollution from vehicles. This new rule denies established climate science and is an attempt to serve fossil fuel companies at the expense of...
U.S. Forest Service seeks to slash public input on public lands
WASHINGTON D.C. — Last week, the U.S. Forest Service proposed a rule that would even further cut the amount of transparency and public input around actions the agency takes on national forests. The reckless...
State court restores a key tool for North Carolina to limit toxic chemicals threatening nearly 1M people
CHAPEL HILL, N.C. — A state court ruled that North Carolina can limit 1,4-dioxane pollution to protect North Carolina families from toxic chemicals in drinking water—reversing an earlier administrative law court ruling. The...