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Comments from Virginians on EPA's Clean Power Plan Stack Up

Virginians still have until December 1st to submit their thoughts to the EPA on its proposed Clean Power Plan, and one environmental organization says it has already collected more than 210,000 comments from residents who support the proposals to speed up the elimination of the carbon footprint here. The group also says if people are really environmentally conscious, they don’t have to wait for the government to take action.

Environment Virginia's Sarah Bucci believes Virginia can meet and exceed the EPA’s goals of limiting carbon emissions and requiring greater use of alternative energy sources.

“I think the great thing about the proposed clean power plan is how flexible it is, and it allows the state to come up with its own implementation plan and its own path forward.”

And Bucci says changes in lifestyle and business practices through what she calls "no regret actions" could also make the difference.

“Investing in clean energy and energy efficiency in particular means that you’re reducing the amount of electricity that you have to use both at the power facility itself and that you need to heat up and light your homes and businesses. Not only does that reduce pollution, but it also can save you money with your electric bills.”

Environmental activists are delivering the nearly 211,000 comments to policymakers--in hopes that they will support the EPA plan and encourage utilities and businesses to aggressively seek energy alternatives. Opponents of the rules say they are too burdensome, will close a number of existing power plants, and will significantly run up energy costs.

Tommie McNeil is a State Capitol reporter who has been covering Virginia and Virginia politics for more than a decade. He originally hails from Maryland, and also doubles as the evening anchor for 1140 WRVA in Richmond.