Virginia DEQ approves air pollution permit for proposed gas plant

RICHMOND, Va. — Virginia’s Department of Environmental Quality said yes to new gas in the state. Despite years of opposition from Chesterfield, Virginia residents, local decisionmakers, and environmental advocates, DEQ approved Dominion Energy’s air pollution application for its proposed new gas-fired power plant. The plant would be located at Dominion’s existing Chesterfield Power Station.  

Community and advocacy groups like CASA, the Chesterfield NAACP, Mothers Out Front, and others have pushed back against Dominion’s proposal bringing awareness to the increased air pollution that comes with methane gas facilities and the dangerous health implications they have for communities.  

The plant also continues to raise environmental justice concerns.

“DEQ made a horrible decision. It’s a decision to put residents last and Dominion’s profits first. It’s a continuation of what we’ve seen in Chesterfield and communities like it for decades – suffering through cumulative impacts from multiple pollution sources and still being targeted,” said Chesterfield NAACP President Nicole Martin. 

DEQ’s decision is the second important approval that Dominion has received. Last month, the State Corporation Commission (SCC) issued an order approving a certificate of public convenience and necessity (CPCN). However, on December 16, the Commission suspended that order following its approval of a petition for reconsideration filed on behalf of NAACP, Mothers Out Front, and Appalachian Voices. 

“We remain committed to our clients, partners, and Chesterfield residents. Two approvals don’t cancel out the thousands of voices that have risen up against this dirty, unnecessary, and expensive plant that if built will inflict health and economic harms on Virginians,” said Rachel James, SELC staff attorney.