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Virginia gas plant progresses despite opposition
In response to increasing energy demand because of extreme weather and the rapid growth of data centers, Dominion Energy plans to build a natural gas plant in Chesterfield, Va. But the nearby community, which was home to a coal plant for almost 80 years and currently lives near two existing gas plants, has resisted the project for months, citing concerns about air quality. Still, Dominion Energy is one step closer to building the new plant after applying in early March for a Certificate of Public Convenience from the State Corporation Commission, which evaluates utility projects’ costs and rationales for increasing rates. Dominion expects to go before the commission in November.
Top Youngkin strategist breaks silence, denies Reid’s extortion claims as GOP feud continues
Matt Moran, Gov. Glenn Youngkin’s top political strategist and head of the Spirit of Virginia PAC, broke his silence Wednesday evening, rejecting accusations that he tried to pressure GOP lieutenant governor nominee John Reid out of the race and declaring that “facts matter.” Less than two hours before Reid was set to appear solo at a GOP rally in Henrico County after Youngkin canceled the event originally scheduled for the entire statewide Republican slate, Moran took to social media to push back on what he called “unfounded” claims and released a sworn affidavit along with a pointed legal letter from his attorney.
More than 400 attend defense manufacturing summit in Danville
There is a shortage of workers and manufacturers in the naval shipbuilding industry, so providing support for it is paramount, according to organizers of a three-day summit held at the Institute for Advanced Learning and Research in Danville this week. “This summit brings together industry, government, academia to acknowledge the challenge that we have ahead of us in terms of supporting shipbuilding in this country,” Telly Tucker, president of the Institute, said during an interview at the summit Tuesday morning.
Rappahannock Area United Way to Close
Shock. Remorse. Respect. Well wishes. These were just some of the responses from local community leaders to the Rappahannock United Way’s announcement on Wednesday that it would cease operations on June 30. Several local leaders said that they were stunned by the news and shared reactions similar to that of Brisben Center CEO David Cooper. “I was shocked by the news that the Rappahannock United Way was closing at the end of June,” Cooper told the Advance over the phone. The organization’s “impact on the Brisben Center has been significant over the years ..."
As federal government targets offshore wind, leaders gather in Virginia Beach to discuss industry's future
Local, national and international leaders in offshore wind have gathered in Virginia Beach this week to discuss how to keep pushing the industry forward. The International Partnering Forum, hosted by the Oceantic Network, is promoting the far-reaching offshore wind supply chain and celebrating ongoing projects. That includes Dominion Energy’s 176-turbine wind farm under construction just a few dozen miles away off the coast, which will be the nation’s largest. “We are positioning Virginia Beach to become one of the main offshore wind energy hubs in this nation,” said Mayor Bobby Dyer. ... But uncertainty and strong challenges loomed large, as officials frankly discussed President Donald Trump’s efforts to halt offshore wind.
‘Forever chemicals’ in sludge fertilizer resisted in Va., Md.
The glass of water that Jennifer Campagne draws from her kitchen faucet looks clear and clean. But ever since she had her household well tested and found “forever chemicals” in it, she’s leery of using it, even to make coffee. Campagne lives in a small cinderblock cottage in Hague, Va., on the overwhelmingly rural Northern Neck between the Potomac and Rappahannock rivers. There are no nearby military bases, fire houses, factories or other likely sources of the per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, or PFAS, detected in her well. There is, though, a farm field about 30 yards from her home where “biosolids,” or treated sewage sludge, has been spread as fertilizer for corn and soybeans.
National ranking shows despite hike, Virginia teachers’ pay is stagnant compared to other states
From last year to now, Virginia raised teacher pay by an average of $3,000. Still, the commonwealth’s average pay rate for educators remains stagnant compared to other states, according to the latest salary report published by the National Education Association. The commonwealth dropped by one spot to 26th, paying teachers an average of $66,327, an increase from a year ago. Virginia’s average teacher pay is $5,703 below the national average of $72,030, the NEA report states. Education leaders and lawmakers in the commonwealth said inflation and investments are some of the factors contributing to mixed results in the national salary report.
Residents worry Medicaid cuts by Congress could lead to homelessness, death
Three smokestacks towering over the recently-opened Caesars Virginia Casino in Danville serve as a reminder of the city’s industrial roots. Danville’s economy was built on the textile and tobacco industries until many of its manufacturing plants closed during the 2000s, leaving behind thousands of struggling residents. The casino’s grand opening last December was a major step in city leaders’ multi-decade revitalization plan. But despite the new growth, many residents are still living on the edge — one medical emergency away from homelessness. And discussions about federal Medicaid cuts are causing concerns for patients and care providers alike.
After Feds Warn UVa. It Is Moving Too Slowly, Board Quickly Rescinds Diversity Goal
Four years ago, the University of Virginia Board of Visitors endorsed a call to double the number of underrepresented faculty by 2030 and to develop a plan for building a student population that better reflected the state’s racial and socioeconomic diversity. The university’s president, James E. Ryan, said the move signaled that “becoming a more diverse, equitable place is both the right and the smart thing to do.” On Tuesday, the board voted unanimously to rescind any such numerical goals as part of a sweeping effort to wipe out evidence of diversity, equity, and inclusion efforts. The Trump administration had warned university officials, only the day before, that it had received complaints that the university wasn’t acting fast enough to carry through on its promise to “dismantle DEI apparatuses.”
Arlington National Cemetery to require REAL ID starting May 7
Those driving into Arlington National Cemetery will need to be REAL ID compliant, the facility said Wednesday. Starting May 7, the identification is required for domestic flights and to access certain federal facilities, including the cemetery. Anyone over 18 entering Arlington National Cemetery in a vehicle should be prepared to present REAL ID at the security checkpoint.