Copyright 2023 West Virginia MetroNews Network. Sen. Mike Oliverio, R-Monongalia, said, As a member of the Senate Energy, Industry and Mining Committee, I attended a briefing this session that showed members how close our entire region came to losing power across the PJM during the very brief, but powerful cold front that moved through just prior to Christmas. The Slow Down for the Holidays community service program has been in existence for many years and has been utilized on a limited number of occasions, Carr said. WV community worries about life after its coal-fired plant closes Idling Pleasants will cost the state millions of dollars in severance tax. PARKERSBURG National Day of Prayer observances are planned around the Mid-Ohio Valley Thursday. ST. MARYS, W.Va. (WTAP) - The two magistrates serving Pleasants County have resigned. But in recent years, theres been increased uncertainty about how long it can keep burning coal. If you just step back and think about it, thats 154 jobs right there in Pleasants County. We need to plan ahead, Pepper said. From: West Virginia Governor Jim Justice. Please reload the page and try again. See All Posts . Pleasants County prosecutor under investigation | News, Sports, Burning coal emits vast quantities of carbon dioxide, which is hastening climate change around the globe. For Doug Renner one of more than 150 people employed by the plant news of a possible closure puts not only stress and strain on him, but his entire family. West Virginia The severance tax is 3.95 percent. It wouldnt be like the cupboard is bare by any means, he said. Contact Us | Privacy Policy | Employment | Affiliates Intranet Therell be a big impact on the community, Bailey said. He said, Weve known for many years that the coal-fired power plants in West Virginia will eventually shut down, and that its only a question of when. Once the shooting investigation is completed, Starsick said the information will be turned over to the Pleasants County Prosecutors Office, which is expected to present it to a grand jury. Methanol is an important component for industrial products and feedstock for chemical companies. This site does not charge for viewing any of our published data, and we do not accept payments of any kind. Pleasants County prosecutor under investigation If there was a resolution before me to keep Fort Martin open, I would have supported that as well. I will allow my legal counsel to address any further requests for comment, and I will continue to serve the people of Pleasants County in the fair administration of justice.. Point Pleasant, WV. {{::location.tagLine.value.text}}. Point Pleasant is a city in Mason County, West Virginia, United States, at the confluence of the Ohio and Kanawha rivers. The population was 4,637 at the 2000 census. It is the county seat of Mason County and the principal city of the Point Pleasant, WV-OH Micropolitan Statistical Area. Pleasants County Prosecuting Attorney Brian Carr confirmed Wednesday his office is under investigation by the West Virginia Office of Disciplinary Counsel for its participation into the Slow Down for the Holidays program operated by the St. Marys Police Department and Pleasants County Sheriffs Department. Its considered the deadliest construction accident in United States history. West Virginia issued 8 new shale permits last week, with five going to a company we had not previously heard of. I'm interested in (please check all that apply). Pennsylvania received just five new permits, and some of those were reissued permits. If the Pleasants plant could compete in the free market, they wouldnt be shutting it down.. Its basically, Whats the most cost effective way to generate electricity? said James Van Nostrand, the director of West Virginia Universitys Center for Energy and Sustainable Development. MORGANTOWN, W.Va. During the debate on whether or not Mon Power and Potomac Edison should buy Pleasants Power State and keep it running, whats not been It has road, rail, and river transportation access and is near a major natural gas pipeline. Pleasants Power, located south of St. Marys and Belmont, is a 1,300-megawatt coal-fired power plant. View today. A separate company called U.S. Methanol is building a plant in Institute, Kanawha County. West Virginia I think they must think long and hard to the fact that we may not have the reliable capacity in all situations to retire any plants at this point.. I think West Virginia is at the forefront, said Jay Powell, Pleasants County Commissioner. Weve been blessed with multiple inquiries, he said of companies that are interested in lengthening the plants life. We were informed this was a possibility that could happen, so we were going with Longview 2 [Longviews new combined-cycle gas-fired plant] and hoping that would be online. And new emissions regulations have increased the expenses borne by coal-burning power plants. But any good father, any good parent, would want to make sure their son or daughter had not necessarily the most expensive life, but be able to have a running start on life.. Operating under the banner of West Virginians for Energy Freedom (WV4EF), they argue it is unfair to keep the plant open on the backs of ratepayers. Energy Harbor, which owns the coal-fired power plant in Pleasants County along the Ohio River, is going carbon-free so it has targeted the plant for closure at the end of May. The governor and his Commerce Secretary, Keith Burdette, have published an official notice seeking bids from drillers. Box 812, Charleston, WV 25323. The Legislature and the governor have endorsed the Pleasants purchase, but their endorsements did not take into account Fort Martin. Obviously, youve got engineers, technicians and mechanics and all these specialty jobs down there [in the plant], said Pleasants County Commission President Jay Powell. CHARLESTON A filing by the West Virginia Office of Disciplinary Counsel seeking the suspension of Pleasants County Prosecutor Brian Carrs law license confirms Continue reading, The West Virginia Dept. West Virginia For the time being, Powell said all the focus has to be on making sure that doesnt happen. Justice said now that Mon Power and Potomac Edisons cards were on the table, it was important for the PSC to review their proposal. Next fiscal year, the Pleasants County school system is projected to collect around $6.7 million in taxes. Were just trying to feed [our] family, he said. The secondary schools those students attend could also take a hit. ST. MARYS, W.Va. (WTAP) - A woman is behind bars Monday after Pleasants County authorities said she left the scene of There is a tremendous amount of public interest in this case, with widely varying opinions, said PSC Chairman Charlotte Lane in a statement. Superintendent: Michael Wells ; Schools . Those entities that have inquired have been very forthright, and said they would love for the workers that are there to continue to work for them, Powell said. He wouldnt reveal any names, but said there have been three kinds of groups interested in the plant: companies that want to repurpose the facility as a hydrogen power plant, coal companies interested in keeping the plant powered by coal, and groups interested in doing the same but using the electricity for cryptocurrency mining. Steve Adams can be reached at sadams@newsansentinel.com. An economic boom followed. We are located on the main floor of the Courthouse in Room 103 and our office hours are 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM Monday through Friday. Instead, the companies submitted a request to the PSC to approve its interim plan to keep Pleasants Power functional, along with a $36 million temporary surcharge for Mon Power/Potomac Edison residential, commercial, and industrial customers in North Central West Virginia and the Eastern Panhandle. Ohio issued 10 new permits. Pleasants County to get methanol plant - News and Sentinel If were not generating that money, then were going to have to look at [cutting] anything from programs to potentially some positions, Wells said. Copyright Marietta Times | https://www.mariettatimes.com | 700 Channel Lane, Marietta, OH 45750 | 740-373-2121, Responders at the scene indicated he had set both fires, but its still under investigation,, Shortly after, Mr. Pleasants County has a rich history centered in the growth of the chemical industry, Braun said in a press release. The companies would reimburse ETEM for the costs of maintaining the plant for that 12-month period, but they are also seeking a temporary surcharge to cover the costs of reimbursing ETEM to keep the plant open. He weighs 22 pounds. So were back! Now that the country is reducing greenhouse gas emissions to address climate change, these plants will likely shut down even sooner. Click to email a link to a friend (Opens in new window), Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window), Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window). Responders at the scene indicated he had set both fires, but its still under investigation, he said. Two FirstEnergy subsidiaries, Monongahela Power Co. and Potomac Edison Co., have sought to enter into a letter of PLEASANTS COUNTY, W.Va. (WTAP) - The future of the Pleasants Power Station has seen much public debate since FirstEnergy announced its intentions to shut the plant down last year. A spokesperson for the West Virginia Supreme Court of Appeals could neither confirm nor deny ODC or JIC investigations in Pleasants County. County Beyond its 154 direct employees, the power plant employs thousands of temporary union workers during its maintenance periods, as well as coal miners in the Northern Panhandle who help supply the plant. The average customer would see an increase of $15 on their water bill under the proposed rates. The PSC will hold an evidentiary hearing at 9:30 a.m. April 21 at its headquarters in Charleston to consider a proposal from Mon Power and Potomac Edison for the plant. The Knowns and Unknowns of the WV Senate Race, The EPA Prepares To Go After Fossil Fuel Power Plants Again. As a result, the company plans to sell or close the plant next year. Cana Turner, 21, was allegedly behind the wheel of the car when it wrecked on Henry Camp Road. Methanol plants convert natural gas into methanol, used as a chemical feedstock (raw material) to create other things, like gasoline, antifreeze, plastic bottleseven LED and LCD screens. But he says its necessary to invest other resources in areas where the coal industry has been displaced, or soon will be. Written comments for Case No. That is standard procedure for fatalities involving law enforcement officers, he said. PARKERSBURG National Day of Prayer observances are planned around the Mid-Ohio Valley Thursday. CHARLESTON Gov. ST. MARYS A bid for the Pleasants County Power Station has been pulled and the owners are looking for new interested parties. That fire was extinguished before they entered the residence. of Environmental Protection has gotten a signed consent order from Antero Resources assessing a fine of $93,000 on the company for pollution of waterways in several WV counties related to installing pipelines. In response to our questions, he said, The only question before me was concerning the preservation of the Pleasants Power Station and the many coal jobs associated with it, and I voted yes. Morgantown event to review legislative session, City Council approving changes to lease with GoMart ballpark, improvements for 5-corners intersection. You can read our previous coverage of this story here. Among them, Pleasants employs 154 people and provides $1.75 million annually to the county in property taxes. CHARLESTON Two magistrates in Pleasants County have resigned and the county prosecutors office is under investigation over a holiday program designed to wipe away misdemeanors in exchange for hefty fees that some are calling Santa-Gate.. I support the ongoing effort to preserve a predictable source of electricity. In WVs Northern Panhandle, industrys legacy includes cancer risk hotspots, A possible new industry for West Virginia raises some old questions, Mountain State Spotlight explains: What to know about the West Virginia State Police scandal, Federal judge withdraws from West Virginia foster care lawsuit after involving lawmakers in settlement talks, West Virginia's foster care crisis: Lawyers representing children say new legislation falls short of fixing the system, Proudly powered by Newspack by Automattic. Earl Ray Tomblin is a pro-drilling Democratan unusual occurrence. The land records room at the Wood County, WV Courthouse has not seen a lot of oil and gas lease researchyet. Starsick said he did not have information at this time on why Brewer began shooting. Our thanks to the programmers at the DEP. Pleasants I would question why they feel they would need to do this, considering the fact that during the cold snap in December of 2022 they were close to mandatory rolling blackouts, from my understanding. The Dominion Posts Ben Conley talked to Commissioner Tom Bloom, who said, The concern is, its given the appearance its one or the other, Pleasants or Fort Martin, rather than looking at both individually on its merits, and that worries us. On Monday, the West Virginia Public Service Commission gave Mon Power and Potomac Edison the go-ahead to negotiate a deal to keep the Pleasants plant from shutting down next month. They also argue that it could cost ratepayers more in the future to keep the plant compliant with current environmental rules and regulations. According to the direct source, the JIC determined that Nutter and Taylor acted improperly in accepting the agreements between the Prosecutors Office and defense attorneys for dismissing the misdemeanor charges. 3 were here. The PSC is accepting written and online public comments. MARYS, W.Va. Employees of the Pleasants Power Station are making their best pitch to save the plant and their jobs. We were hoping that would be there to offset, but we havent heard anything thats going on right now.. Pleasants County, West Virginia Covid Case and Risk Tracker County Authorities searching for person of interest in Huntington house fire. Justice orders flags at half-staff on Saturday in honor of Upshur County Sheriff Virgil Douglas Miller. We want to try with all in us to find a methodology and a way to be able to keep that plant open.. A company called West Virginia Methanol Inc. has selected a site in Pleasants County, WV to develop to build a $350 million methanol plant. Superintendent: Michael Wells You may opt-out anytime by clicking "unsubscribe" from the newsletter or from your account. Members of the public weighed in on the fate of the Pleasants Power Station near Belmont, which is set to be closed June 1 unless an alternative comes through. St. Marys, West Virginia. Originally slated for closure in 2018, Pleasants has received millions in bailouts from state Republican leaders that have extended its life for years. According to WDTV, an area high school student died in a Ritchie County crash Sunday evening. Douglas Soule is a Report for America corps member who covers business and economic development. Morgantown event to review legislative session, City Council approving changes to lease with GoMart ballpark, improvements for 5-corners intersection. So when a land records rooms becomes congested, you know its not long until leases are signed and drilling begins. Pleasants County Sheriff Chuck Mankins said two deputies from his office and a St. Marys Police officer were at the scene. Pleasants Power, located south of St. Marys and Belmont, is a 1,300-megawatt coal-fired power plant. We can find nothing about this story from another other news source than the AP. Superintendent Michael Wells said if the plant closes, the Van Nostrand said the news of the Pleasants plants possible closure seemed inevitable. First Energy subsidiaries Mon Power and Potomac Edison are potentially interested in buying the plant. We were told that it could be in the very near future that Fort Martin was going to close. But Im glad we have a delta rather than before when all we had before was were considering it. Now weve at least got a delta.. As of today, no admonishments have been issued by the JIC and no formal charges have been filed with the Supreme Court Clerks Office.. Around 7 p.m. Sunday, firefighters and emergency medical personnel responded to 3593 Federal Ridge Road a few miles outside of St. Marys and found a mobile home engulfed in flames, Starsick said. At this point, he said, the question is whether they close in the 2020s or 2030s. CAD cited two primary reasons: Pleasants has better pollution scrubbers and better access to coal supplies. Natalea Mumaw, a senior ST. MARYS, W.Va. A candlelight vigil will be held Tuesday night for a Pleasants County high school senior who died in a head-on crash in Ritchie County over the weekend. Continue reading, #mc_embed_signup{background:#fff; clear:left; font:14px Helvetica,Arial,sans-serif; }
The companies set a deadline of Tuesday, April 25, for the PSC to approve the Pleasants Power Plan. Pleasants County Schools All persons displayed here are innocent until proven guilty in a court of law. CHARLESTON, WV Gov. We dont have specific numbers, he said, but any shutdown will obviously affect our community in jobs and taxes. WebPleasants County Schools . Although a target per-acre bonus amount has not been specified, Tomblin has publicly stated hed like to see a 20% royalty on any such under-the-river leases Our apologies that this latest weekly permit update is a day late. An investigation by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration determined the weight strength of the concrete had not been achieved, Keeping the Pleasants Power Station in operating condition, as Mon Power proposes to do, has a downside for state and local government. Its already stressful, he said, owning a small hardware store and having to compete against larger chains like Home Depot and Lowes. This reduction in funding would come at the worst possible time, said the foundations executive director, Sheri Fleegle. Dave WHEELING West Virginia Gov. According to two resolutions adopted by the House of Delegates and state Senate, the plant has a $400 million economic impact for Pleasants County and the surrounding Mid-Ohio Valley. Not on Anteros website. Proponents of keeping the plant open point to the jobs it provides, as well as to the economic support it continues PLEASANTS COUNTY, W.Va. (WTAP) - On April 27, 1978, the second cooling tower under construction for the Pleasants Power Station collapsed, killing 51 men working in and around the tower. It was understood by law enforcement as an alternative legal mechanism to address only a narrow scope of criminal traffic offenses without any impediment to other government sanctions imposed by the Department of Motor Vehicles.. Pleasants Both across the county and in West Virginia, companies have been retiring older coal-fired power plants in favor of cheaper sources of electricity. PLEASANTS COUNTY, W.Va. (WTAP) - Meet Zuri! The West Virginia Public Service Commission (PSC) heard testimony Friday from Mon Power officials about a proposal to spare the Pleasants Power Station from closure. W.Va. PSC approves Pleasants Power plan | News, Sports, The surcharge would increase costs for residential customers by $2.67 per month, $8.44 per month for commercial customers and $4,416 for industrial customers. Continue reading, Some exciting news to share! The Commission determines that it would be imprudent for the Companies to sit idly by while a large base load thermal power plant in their West Virginia service area, and that they once owned a portion of, is demolished without taking all steps possible to keep the plant operative, the PSC order stated. Pleasants WebNewsBreak provides latest and breaking Pleasants County, WV local news, weather forecast, crime and safety reports, traffic updates, event notices, sports, entertainment, Breaking News. Pleasants Power, located south of St. Marys and Belmont in Pleasants County near the Wood County border, was commissioned in 1979 and fully operational in 1980. Pleasants County 911 says the accident happened just None of the 51 workers on the towers scaffolding at the time survived the collapse. Representatives of two power companies have identified additional expenses and the likelihood of a more restrictive timeline for taking over the Pleasants Power Station, which is set to close in a few weeks. Here is the entire, very brief AP story with sparse details He joins us from the Pleasants County Humane Society!. Officers on scene returned fire at Mr. Brewer, he said. City modifying lease with ballpark and upgrading a west-side intersection. To search and filter the Mugshots for Pleasants County, West Virginia simply click on the at the top of the page. Census Bureau QuickFacts The West Virginia Public Service Commission held a public comment PARKERSBURG, W.Va. (WTAP) - The West Virginia Public Service Commission held a public hearing on April 20 to discuss the future of the Pleasants Power Station. Brewers body was taken to the state medical examiners office for an autopsy, he said. Any additional costs would have to be brought to the PSC in a new rate case. Comprehensive coverage of West Virginia news. State issues, politics, and people making the news. Breaking stories from major cities and towns in West Virginia weather updates, global news, and business stories. Latest West Virginia News from West Virginia State News.Net If you cant be here in person, you can still submit a written comment.. Filing confirms federal investigation in Pleasants County According to sources, the ODC and JIC started investigating the Slow Down program last year. Zuri is a beagle-mix and is about 6 months old. Sign up for our weekly newsletter to get accurate, non-partisan reporting on the politics and policies shaping our state. In Pennsylvania, 19 new shale well permits were issued across the state. WebGov. But lets face it, those same people are our Boy Scout leaders, there are coaches, there are deacons in our churches.. Brewer was found deceased upstairs,. Continue reading, Last week 24 permits were issued to drill new shale wells in the Marcellus/Utica. Pleasants County Schools ; Belmont Elementary School ; St. Marys Elementary School ; Pleasants County Middle School ; St. Marys High School ; Stay Connected . Powell said the county has continually worked to diversify its economy recently, for example, a methanol plant announced it would be coming to the area. Do Not Sell My Personal Information But staying might mean he has to commute hours away to support his family. Thursday, April 27, will mark 45 years since 51 workers died when one of the plants cooling towers collapsed due to green concrete, considered one of the worst construction accidents in U.S. history at the time. Forms . Copyright 2023. Just a single AP story currently running in dozens of newspapers and in other media outlets/websites across the country. The severance tax is 3.95 percent. By Douglas Soule. According to WV4EF, customers of Mon Power and Potomac Edison have seen their electric rates increase by 50 percent over a 15-year period. We invite everyone to come and share their suggestions and concerns with us on April 20. Thats huge. As a nonprofit, we rely on your help to power our journalism. Day of Prayer to be observed
The companies are seeking an order from the PSC no later than April 25 authorizing the companies to enter into a letter of intent with Texas-based Energy Transition and Environmental Management to operate the plant from June to May 2024. Officers returned fire but an autopsy is planned to determine the exact cause of death, said 1st Sgt. Brewer was found deceased upstairs, Starsick said. The PSC gave the companies until March 31 to submit a report to the commission on the feasibility of purchasing Pleasants Power separate from an approved $91.9 million increase in the Expanded Net Energy Costs surcharge at the end of 2022. Lets give FirstEnergy/Mon Power the time necessary to complete their review and I will monitor the progress going forward.. It would be a crying shame for the plant to die, Justice said. He declined further comment, citing the state police investigation. If he loses his job at the plant, Renner doesnt plan to leave the county or move away from his family farm there. Ill be getting more and more details. Pleasants County Sheriff's Office | Saint Marys WV - Facebook In an effort to provide a more localized view of how accessible abortions are to your community, Stacker investigated how Pleasants County, WV access to abortion
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