Spark It Up!!!: Bill Bolling Answers My Question on Live Blog

Go check out the Live Blog at the College Republican Federation of Virginia blog. Here is my question and the Lt Gov's reply

Comment from Lieutenant Governor Bolling
Time: April 14, 2008, 5:52 pm

Comment from Carl Kilo
Time: April 14, 2008, 12:38 am
Sir,
The recent controversy over the new coal fired power plant in Wise County has opened this subject up to many of us coal miners and residents in SWVA. The plant has the approval of the General Assembly and the SCC. The plant will meet all the current standards and regulations required by law. In a hostile move, the Air Pollution Board denied giving the DEQ permitting rights, choosing instead to rule on the plant themselves.
My question is, in your opinion can the Air Pollution Board deny the permit even though the plant meets every legal requirement?
This is a real problem for coal miners and the residents here. You know my region well and we respect any opinion or advice you can give us.

Carl:

Let me answer your question two ways.

First, the Air Pollution Control Board does have the authority to deny a permit for this project. However, their decision must be based on a sound foundation, and if they deny this permit for illegitimate reasons their decision can and should be subject to judicial review.

Second, I don’t believe there is any legitimate reason for the Board to deny this permit, and I have sent them a letter expressing my support for this project and my belief that the permit should be approved ASAP.

This is a very important economic development project for Southwest Virginia. It will result in a significant capital investment and it will create much needed jobs in the coalfields.

However, I am convinced that this project is also environmentally sensitive, and it is an important part of our effort to develop a more comprehensive statewide energy strategy. It should be approved, and it should be approved NOW!

Thank you sir for participating!