Friday, April 04, 2008,8:06 AM
Bud Phillips Steps Into The Fray
It's times like these that allow us to know who's for us and who's agin' us.

With a powerful array of outsiders - including some who should know better - lined up in opposition to that much-needed power plant that's going to be built over in St. Paul, it's heartwarming to see local politicians - especially Democrats - who are willing to step up and defy the political establishment.

One of those, we find out today, who is willing to come forward and speak for his people is Clarence "Bud" Phillips (D-Sandy Ridge):

Del. Bud Phillips Admonishes Air Board For Delaying Coal Plant Permit
By Kathy Still, Bristol Herald-Courier Staff Writer

St. Paul, Va. – Delegate Bud Phillips smacked a state regulatory board Thursday night for delaying action on a permit application to build a controversial $1.8 billion coal-fired power plant in Wise County, Va.

His comments had the 75 or so people at Thursday’s public hearing – nearly all in favor of the plant because those opposed were boycotting the meeting – listening carefully as he blasted the citizen-based Virginia Air Pollution Control Board.

The air board must play by the established rules and grant Dominion’s permit, he said.

"What I’m calling on the air board to do is exactly that," Phillips said. "The law is the law. The air board can’t take the law in their own hands." (link)

Here's to Bud Phillips. You will all want to remember this come election day. He deserves credit - even if he is a damn Democrat.

Still, it's going to require a lot more of his colleagues to line up behind him and make their voices heard. Otherwise, this project could still go off the rails. There are evil forces at work attempting to stop us from having 1,358 additional jobs, $439 million in revenue, and critically-needed electricity generation here in Southwest Virginia.

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Update: Carl over in Wise County has a lot more details about the meeting, details that include other attendees. It's good to see Southwest Virginians rally 'round a cause and not be told what folks in Richmond or Washington think our cause ought to be based on their upcoming vacation plans. Thanks, Carl.
 
posted by Jerry Fuhrman
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