RICHMOND, April 1—In Richmond, 25 youth leaders from William and Mary, VCU, and Univ. of Richmond gathered outside Dominion’s Headquarters to present the “Virginia Fossil Fools Award” to Dominion CEO Tom Farrell for his company’s foolish rush to build another coal-burning plant. Students were greeted by nearly 10 police officers and anxious Dominion officials waiting for the action to occur.

“At the same time that global warming impacts are accelerating and the nation’s economy is sliding into recession, Dominion Virginia Power is pushing to build a new controversial 585 MW coal-burning power plant in Virginia, said Alex Imhofe, a student at VCU. “This power plant would increase rates for all Virginians, eliminate jobs from the Virginia economy, and dramatically increase global warming emissions.”

The students are part of the Virginia Climate Action Network (VACAN), a coalition of 15 Virginia college and university environmental groups. A group of students and youth dressed up as coal tycoons such as the State Corporation Commission, Dept of Environmental Quality, and the General Assembly and highlighted the boondoggle project.” The spoof was meant to draw attention to $1.8 billion price tag of the proposed coal plant. Dominion will pass off the entire cost of the plant to rate payers, which could dramatically increase electricity rates in Virginia.