Virginia Clean Energy Deal ‘Like a Moment of Sunshine on a Rainy Day’ - Sierra Club

Richmond, Va. -- Today, the Commonwealth of Virginia announced an agreement to purchase 420 megawatts of clean energy for the state government’s needs. However, the state’s utility, Dominion Energy, still plans to use dirty fossil fuel power plants and is still pursuing fracked gas projects like the controversial Atlantic Coast Pipeline and Union Hill compressor station. 

In response, Sierra Club Virginia Chapter Director Kate Addleson released the following statement:

“Today’s announcement is like a moment of sunshine on a rainy day. While Virginians are overwhelmingly excited about the state taking advantage of the clean, renewable energy sources that are affordable and abundant across the Commonwealth, today’s announcement is overshadowed by the harmful pollution Dominion’s dirty power plants are still spewing and the hundreds of miles of dangerous fracked gas projects they are still pursuing. If Dominion wants to do right by the customers and communities they serve, then they will cancel projects like the fracked gas Atlantic Coast Pipeline and Union Hill compressor station, support access to customer-owned solar, and stop opposing pollution reduction plans.

“As the state takes a positive step like doubling down on clean energy, Dominion should be doubling down on energy efficiency to reduce the energy burden for Virginians, which remains among the highest in the nation.”

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