Virginia Beach should lead on alternative energy

By Andrew S. Fine

There's been much discussion in recent months about planning for a healthier Hampton Roads. Hot topics include reducing water pollution, conserving energy and turning to renewable energy sources such as wind, solar and algae-based biofuels, to name a few.

As a region, this momentum is important if we are going to transition to a cleaner, more sustainable future, for economic and security reasons as well as to protect human health and the environment.

Virginia Beach has the opportunity to lead that charge. Recently, Mayor Will Sessoms' Alternative Energy Task Force, of which I was a member, produced a detailed report reviewing existing energy needs and evaluating alternative sources of energy to satisfy these needs now and in the future.

Part of the report includes opposition to a coal-fired power plant proposed by Old Dominion Electric Cooperative (ODEC) in nearby Surry County.

A coal-fired power plant in Surry County would add significant amounts of mercury, nitrogen and ozone pollution to the region. Mercury is toxic to wildlife and to humans, posing special threats to fetuses, young children and pregnant women. Nitrogen promotes excess algae growth in our waterways that clouds the water, stunts underwater grasses and robs the water of oxygen vital to fish, crabs and oysters.

The additional ozone formed due to emissions from the proposed facility, combined with the region's looming non-attainment designation, could hamper economic development opportunities for the entire region.

The city of Virginia Beach is starting down the right path by aggressively supporting energy conservation and the development and use of renewable energy to provide for greater security and health for its citizens. As the Energy Task Force report points out, "the potential adverse environmental, human health, and economic development impacts to the region posed by the ODEC plant should lead not only Virginia Beach but all of the region's localities to oppose construction of the proposed facility."

The Virginia Beach City Council is poised to formally accept the plan from the Mayor's Alternative Energy Task Force at its Dec. 14 meeting. If that happens, the city will be one of the first to take a stand. I hope Virginia Beach's effort to develop strategies to ensure safe, clean-energy sources will serve as a springboard for other localities throughout Hampton Roads to join in a strong, unified voice and oppose the ODEC plant's threat to our economic and environmental quality.

Andrew S. Fine is president of the Runnymede Corporation, a commercial real estate development and management firm. He co-founded Lynnhaven River NOW, was a founding director of Commerce Bank and TowneBank, served as rector at Eastern Virginia Medical School and as board chairman of the Chrysler Museum of Art. A member of the Virginia State Bar Association, Fine lives in Virginia Beach.