Update, information, report:
I went to two meetings this week. On Monday night I went to the Morgantown
Cools City Committee meeting. At their meeting they strategized for their up
and coming Tuesday night meeting with the City Council. They were number 5
on the list of groups that were to present their case. I was impressed at
how determined and clear sighted every member of the committee was to their
cause. They planned for who would speak at the City Council meeting and …
[View More]what
each member would talk about.
Last night, Tuesday, the City Council met and the Cool City Committee was in
attendance, along with support people, including myself. When their turn
came up, #5, the City Council officials took the floor! They were replete with
praise for the Sierra Club and the Clean Air Coalition. They thanked these
groups officially for bringing the Cools Cities agenda to them. They
reviewed the twelve point Kyoto Protocol listed by the U.S. Mayors Climate
Pretection Agreement ( provided by the Sierra Club) and talked about steps they have
already taken, and will continue to take, in order to address these critical
actions.
I wasn't sure if this sounded as good to everyone else as it sounded to me
until Jim Kotcon stood up, turned around to all of us and said, "We won!!!"
We were all aglow with joy.
Of course Jim Kotcon and Joshua Rutkowski went immediately to the hallway
and started to plan the next move, but even Jim took a few minutes to just be
happy.
So, someone from the committee can add details to this note, my intention
was to sing your praises. Please pass this note on to Cool City Committee
members who are not on the Energy Committee and thereby in my address book.
Good work. Thank you
Barbara Fallon, Sierra Club's Energy Committee
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To: MVCAC
Testimony was entered by Duane Nichols, Charles Yuill, and Adam Polinski
to the WV Public Service Commission yesterday regarding the environmental
impacts of the proposed changes to the Longview power plant.
Our attorney, Phillip Gaujot, did an excellent job of presenting our case
and of posing questions to the single Longview witness, Chris Colbert.
Colbert gave what we consider to be vague and incomplete answers,
but the two Commissions present, were not …
[View More]apparently concerned about
his lack of specificity and meager amount of information. Mr. Shaw has
resigned from the Commission. [The Governor must appoint a Republican
lawyer to replace him, since both major parties must be represented and
since at least one must be a lawyer....neither Chairman Jon McKinney nor
Edward Staats are lawyers.]
............The PSC Staff recommended that the changes be approval, with
a list of 10 or 11 stipulations. Our position is that the increased steam
plumes are significant and should be the reason for greater evaluation,
i.e. a "material" modification. Neither the Staff nor the Commissions
are particularly inclined to side with us.
In any case, the final decision will not be made until after a Briefing
Schedule has transpired: Initial Briefs due Jan. 29th, Reply Briefs
due January 31st, and Final Briefs due February 2nd.
.......................We are very unhappy with this schedule, because
Briefs are to be submitted without the benefit of the Transcript, which
will not be ready in time for use during this schedule.
............... Duane Nichols, Convener, MVCAC
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[[note the paragraph that is underlined...........]]
Preservationists Resist Proposed Power Line
BROAD RUN, VA (AP) - The landowners and preservationists in Virginia’s hunt
country have taken on Disney and won, so a battle against the state’s
dominant utility over a proposed high-voltage power line leaves them undaunted.
The Piedmont Environmental Council, which more than a decade ago famously
fought off a proposed Disney theme park in rural Prince William county, is
gearing up for …
[View More]battle over some of the same turf - this time a 40-mile section of
a proposed multistate power line that cuts through pristine fields and
mountains but utilities say is badly needed to meet growing demand and buck up the
Northeast region’s electrical grid.
The council held a press conference with its brightest star, actor Robert
Duvall, to denounce plans to run the line through parts of Fauquier, Loudoun,
and Prince William counties that have generally remained preserved despite the
Washington, D.C. region’s exploding growth.
Duvall, a Fauquier County resident who was also active in the 1990s in
opposition to the proposed Disney’s America theme park, said he believes the region
’s residents are even more united against the power line.
“ There were people who were for the Disney park back then,” said Duvall,
who has consistently supported the region’s preservation efforts but only
rarely steps into the spotlight on the issue. “I think everybody is against this.
People are up in arms.”
The council placed weather balloons 12 stories in the air along the proposed
route to simulate the impact the lines would have on the region’s viewshed.
In some spots, the balloons dominated a landscape that was largely pristine,
dotted by historic sites including Civil War battle sites and the home of
former Supreme Court Justice John Marshall.
David Botkins, a spokesman for Dominion Virginia Power, said the utility
appreciates residents’ concerns and will take them into account as it continues
to evaluate the best route for a transmission line. But, he said, it’s wrong
to compare Dominion’s proposal to Disney’s efforts.
“ Disney’s proposal was about a theme park. This is about providing a
lifeblood to hospitals, airports, homeland security facilities, and high-tech
businesses, not to mention millions of households,” Botkins said.
Northern Virginia could face rolling blackouts as soon as 2011 without
additional capacity, Botkins said, and the proposed route is the only way to
deliver it.
Opponents have questioned whether Dominion is overstating its needs and want
the utility to do more to embrace conservation. Opponents are also concerned
that a new federal law enacted last year will make it easier for utilities
to override residents’ concerns.
Passed in response to warnings of gaps in the nation’s electrical network,
the law allows the U.S. Energy Department to designate certain transmission
corridors as being in the national interest. That would let federal regulators
overrule states that would reject a power line with a demonstrated interstate
interest.
Botkins said Dominion is pursuing approval through traditional means -
Virginia’s State Corporation Commission - and has no intention of asking the
federal government to override the state.
But others - including PJM Interconnection, which operates the region’s
electrical grid - could seek a federal override.
Power line opponents were sensitive to the perception that a few well-heeled
gentlemen farmers concerned about the views from their estates are blocking
progress and jeopardizing electricity for the region.
“ This is not about a few wealthy landowners’ self-interest,” Duvall said. “
This is about corporate vandalism.”
Martha Toomey of Orlean said the power lines would hurt a region that has
eschewed residential growth and sought to build an economy based on agriculture
and tourism.
“ We’re not sitting out here making daisies. This is about business,”
Toomey said.
The 40-mile section running through Virginia is part of a 240-mile, $850
million line that would start about 20 miles south of Pittsburgh, then head
southeast across a corner of western Maryland and West Virginia’s heavily
touristed eastern panhandle before crossing into Virginia. The line is a joint
project of Dominion and Pennsylvania-based Allegheny Power.
JANUARY 2, 2007.
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To: MVCAC participants and friends:
NOTE: Longview provided "public notice" in the Dominion Post on January
16th of the Hearing set for the Public Service Commission at 9:30 a.m. in
Charleston. The Concerned Citizens, including local residents, CLEAR, Citizens for
Responsible Development, and the Citizens for Alternative to Longview Power,
will be represented to provide testimony on the inconsistencies and impacts
in the Longview filing of November 8, 2006. This latter filing …
[View More]seeks changes
which include increasing the power output to 695 MW, increasing the size of
the boiler and turbine buildings, and increasing the amount of water usage.
Longview has provided only meager information on the equipment design and
specifications.
See the Notes at the end of the MVCAC Minutes provided below:
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
Minutes of the MVCAC
January 8, 2007
The MVCAC met at the St. Paul Lutheran Church with 10 participants in
attendance. The meeting began with a report on the application for 501c3 status.
The IRS provided some queries to which Paula wrote responses. MVCAC
currently has a balance of $391.00 in the checking account. We received a $3000.00
contribution in December. One thousand dollars was sent to Synapse Energy
for their costs related to their expert testimony, $1751.00 went to Phil Gaujot
for his expenses related to the Longview issues, and $350.00 went for
brochures. Paula developed a budget to accompany the 501c3 application.
There was some discussion regarding whether we should develop a formal
membership process and dues. A sub-committee was formed to further explore this
issue.
The group then discussed the cover letter that Paula had developed to
accompany the brochures that we will mail. A few participants provided some
suggestions for revisions.
Duane then read Dennis’ report on the appeal of the proposed waste burning
(gob) plant at Nemacolin, PA. The appeal was fined by the following
Petitioners, namely: Dennis Groce, National Parks Conservation Association, Group
Against Smog and Pollution and Phil Coleman. The appeal was turned down, but
subsequent action may be feasible. A separate report will be provided shortly.
Duane provided an update on Longview. They have received both their siting
and transmission line certificates. In November, Longview proposed to
increase the output of the plant from 600 to 695 megawatts. They have argued that
this increase will have negligible effects. However, the Concerned Citizens
have filed documents with the Public Service Commission to protest, because
of the effects that this increase will have on the local environment.
Longview wants to increase the amount of water necessary (a 12% increase). Also,
the main boiler building will be increased from 257 to 270 feet high. So, the
larger building and the greater steam plume represent a greater obstacle to
the view shed issue. We are also concerned that the cost to build the plant
has escalated to $1.8 billion. The Public Service Commission (PSC) will
decide whether the increase in output and its effects constitute a significant
change to Longview’s plan. If it does constitute a significant change, the
consequences could include a new air quality permit.
Allegheny Energy has concluded that adding scrubbers to the Ft. Martin power
plant will cost more money than they originally anticipated. They have
asked the PSC to increase their securitization to cover this additional expense.
This will add about $3.50 to each household electric bill, until the scrubber
are paid for. Duane asked whether MVCAC should send a letter supporting this
increase expense, since we would benefit from scrubbers. It was decided
that the board would make the final decision regarding whether to send such a
letter.
There have been public hearings regarding the proposed power line that will
run through West Virginia, PA, MD, and VA. Jim recommended that the MVCAC
send a letter to the PSC opposing such a power line and emphasize the problems
with the taking of property that would accompany such a power line. Jim has
argued that if Allegheny Energy would spend the same amount of $$ on energy
conservation as it is proposing to spend on the power line, there would be no
need for a power line. Duane spoke to a wire expert with Allegheny Power who
stated that if they could upgrade the existing line while it was still being
used, there would be no need for a new route.
Jim reported on the proposed co-generation power plant for Greenbrier
County. Sierra Club and others are protesting the plant based on several issues,
such as the fact that the plant will violate EPA’s new particulate standards
and that there is not sufficient energy in the gob they are proposing to use.
Jim passed around a petition related to the Cool Cities effort. The intent
of the petition is to persuade the city of Morgantown to sign on to this
effort. This would mean the city would agree to take measures to reduce the
emission of greenhouse gases, by adopting strategies such as using biofuels,
making city buildings more energy efficient, etc. City Council will consider this
issue at the next Committee of the Whole meeting on January 30 at 7:00 pm.
Please consider attending this meeting to voice your support.
Respectfully submitted, Linda Shuster, Secretary
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
NOTE: The Public Service Commission has set a “public hearing” for January
24th at 9:30 am in Charleston, to determine whether the proposed changes to
the Longview power plant are significant (“material”) or insignificant (“
non-material). The Concerned Citizens as “intervenors” will be present to
testify. The public is invited to send comments on whether Longview should be
allowed to increase their power output from 600 to 695 megawatts while
increasing their water usage by 12% and installing larger buildings on the 160 acre
plant site. Based upon past practice, the smoke stack at 554 feet should be
redesigned to take into account the other changes including the larger
buildings. Longview does not want to consider this redesign. Therefore, Concerned
Citizens considers the proposed changes to be “material”, i.e. significant.
You can express your opinion and concerns by writing to: Sandra Squire,
Executive Secretary, WV Public Service Commission, 201 Brooks Street, Charleston,
WV 25323. The letter should contain the following reference: RE: Siting
Certificate for Longview Power, LLC.
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IMPORTANT MEETING OF THE
MON VALLEY CLEAN AIR COALITION,
TUESDAY, JANUARY 9TH, 7 PM.
Location: St. Paul's Lutheran Church, Basement Meeting Area.
We will review recent activities. We have a new budget to present. Come
and enjoy seeing
your old friends, and prepare for a new year of activities. We can focus
and be efficient!!!
Duane Nichols, Convenor.
That's Tuesday, January 9th at 7
pm..........................................
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<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<
For Immediate Release: For More
Information, contact
Jan. 6, 2007 James Kotcon
304-594-3322 (home)
304-293-8822 (office)
_jkotcon(a)wvu.edu_ (mailto:jkotcon@wvu.edu)
Energy Options and Solutions for Global Warming
Changes in energy use to address global warming are increasingly likely.
But what kind and how much change is still debated.
Three approaches to new energy policies for America will be presented at the
next meeting of the Monongahela Group of Sierra Club on Thursday, Jan. 11.
A panel of speakers will review changes in energy use and greenhouse gas
emissions.
Ken Markel, an expert on fossil energy will present technical information on
energy options.
Paul Brown will review the need for dramatic reductions in carbon emissions.
A major new policy proposal from the Sierra Club will be presented by Jim
Kotcon. The “Smart Energy Solutions” initiative presents a comprehensive, but
realistic approach to protecting the planet from dangerous climate changes.
The meeting will be held at 7 PM in the Blackwater Room of the WVU
MountainLair. The public is invited and a discussion will follow the presentations.
For details, call 594-3322.
-End-
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To: Participants of the MVCAC
From: Duane Nichols, Convenor
RE: Adoption of Six (6) Amendments to Articles of Organization
ACTION: Please vote immediately: Yes-- for approval, No-- for objection.
NOTE: Contributions to the MVCAC will be exempt of IRS taxes if the MVCAC
meets
the requirements of Section 501-c-3 of the IRS code. We have been informed
by
the IRS that six amendments are needed to our Articles of Organization.
These required amendments are herewith proposed …
[View More]by Paula Hunt for adoption by
email vote of the Mon Valley Clean Air Coalition. Decision is by consensus, so
if there are any objections, said objections will need to be resolved at our
upcoming meeting
on Tuesday, January 9, 2007, at 7 pm in the Basement Meeting Area of St.
Paul's Lutheran Church, Patterson Drive, Morgantown, WV.
MON VALLEY CLEAN AIR COALITION
Articles of Organization
Adopted: January 23, 2006
In consideration of health concerns relating to high levels of air
pollutants in the Monongahela River valley and surrounding areas, the Mon Valley Clean
Air Coalition, a nonprofit organization whose participants serve on a
voluntary basis, has been founded to promote public education and advocacy relating
to air quality issues and to enhance capabilities for monitoring air quality
in the region.
Activities may include 1) partnering with the local school systems to
provide educational materials regarding energy awareness and genesis of air
pollutants such as ozone, sulfur dioxide, volatile organic compounds and
particulates, 2) financially assisting in the acquisition of air monitoring equipment to
be used in conjunction with the school programs, 3) exploring avenues for
performing independent air monitoring either through direct equipment
acquisition and operation by volunteers or via contractual agreement with a third
party, 4) development of presentations and pamphlets to be used in adult
public outreach, 5) participation in health fairs and other public opportunities
for adult education, 6) the submission of data and other relevant information
to local, state, and federal agencies regarding the development of rules for
regulatory functions and environmental quality permits, 7) the writing of
letters and testifying at public hearings on environmental issues and proposed
permits for pollution control, as well as 8) the legal appeal of permits or
regulations within the statutory time periods set aside in the permitting
process. Each of these activities is intended only to the extent permitted under
the Internal Revenue Service 501-c-3 rules.
The Mon Valley Clean Air Coalition functions under the leadership of a
Convenor, Secretary, and Treasurer. These officers are chosen by consensus,
serving short indefinite terms of less than one year under typical circumstances.
A Board of Directors is made up of the current and former Convenors and
serves to facilitate decision-making, when necessary, between regular monthly
meetings. The Treasurer maintains a bank account for the deposit of receipts
and the payment of expenses, consistent with an annual Budget and approval of
the officers and/or participants.
A list of participants is to be maintained by the Secretary; and, an email
list exists and is used as the primary means of communication among the
officers and the participants. There is no membership fee or regular assessment.
Voluntary contributions are welcomed from anyone who shares an interest in
the objectives and mission of the Coalition, as it is stated above. Current
funding categories for expenditures are 1) public education to include
newsletters and brochures plus expenses for seminars and other public speaking
functions, 2) the air monitoring project for data collection, training, and public
awareness, 3) fees for consultants and experts, secretarial fees, and legal
expenses (lawyers and court costs), and 4) other miscellaneous organization
expenses.
Monthly meetings involve a systematic discussion of all the relevant topics
at that time. Decisions are made by consensus of those present, and minutes
of each monthly meeting are distributed promptly to the participants.
Committee meetings are held on an as-needed basis.
The Mon Valley Clean Air Coalition is incorporated in the State of West
Virginia as a not-for-profit Voluntary Association, Control Number 77545, July
11, 2005. The West Virginia Taxpayer Identification Number is WV-041-2704-001.
The Employer Identification Number that as been assigned by the U.S.
Internal Revenue Service is EIN 75-3199088. In the case of the dissolution of the
Coalition, its monetary assets are to be donated to the American Lung
Association and any equipment or supplies are to be donated to the Monongalia County
Board of Education, Morgantown, WV. The formal address of the Coalition is
as follows:
Mon Valley Clean Air Coalition
P. O. Box 4679
Morgantown, WV 26504
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
Amendments to Articles of Organization
(Prepared: January 2, 2007)
1. The MVCAC is organized exclusively for charitable, educational, and
scientific purposes, including for such purposes, the making of distributions
to organizations under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code (or the
corresponding section of any future Federal tax code).
1. No part of the net earnings of the MVCAC shall inure to the benefit
of, or be distributed to its members, trustees, directors, officers or other
private persons, except that the MVCAC shall be authorized and empowered to
pay reasonable compensation for services rendered and to make payments and
distributions in furtherance of Section 501(c)(3) purposes.
1. No substantial part of the activities of the MVCC shall be the
carrying on of propaganda, or otherwise attempting to influence legislation, and
the MVCAC shall not participate in, or intervene in (including the publishing
or distribution of statements) any political campaign on behalf of, or in
opposition to, any candidate for public office.
1. Notwithstanding any other provision of these articles, the MVCAC
shall not carry on any other activities not permitted to be carried on (a) by a
corporation or organization exempt from Federal income tax under Section
501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code (or corresponding section of any future
Federal tax code) or (b) by a corporation or organization, contributions to
which are deductible under Section 170(c)(2) of the Internal Revenue Code (or
corresponding section of any future Federal tax code).
1. Upon the dissolution of the MVCAC, assets shall be distributed for
one or more exempt purposes within the meaning of Section 501(c)(3) of the
Internal Revenue Code, or corresponding section of any future Federal tax code,
or shall be distributed to the Federal government, or to a state or local
government, for public purpose.
1. However, if the named recipient is not then in existence or no
longer a qualified distributee, or unwilling or unable to accept the distribution,
then the assets of the MVCAC shall be distributed to a fund, foundation, or
corporation organized exclusively for the purposes specified in Section
501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code (or corresponding section of any future
Federal tax code).
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