SAMS Statement on Nuclear Energy Announcement in Wise Co. VA
SAMS Statement on Gov. Glenn Youngkin’s 10/14/2022 Visit to SWVA to Reveal Nuclear Energy Plant Proposal
Fog laying heavy viewed from atop mountain in Pound, VA (Wise County). Pound is one of the communities proposed to house a small modular reactor (SMR) plant. See article here.
In the wake of the sudden announcement that Gov. Youngkin plans to develop small modular nuclear sites in Southwest Virginia, Southern Appalachian Mountain Stewards has to question the intention behind the coercive measures taken without the inclusion of local community stakeholders, property owners, and directly impacted individuals. Glaringly, such impetus harkens back to the exploitative and divisive strategies employed by the extractive Appalachian coal industry of old, therefore drawing deep concern.
At the root, Southwest Virginians need opportunities to determine our own future. Whether that includes nuclear power should be a decision made with the input, knowledge and consideration of individuals living within the communities in which these plants would function. Though we cannot at this time make judgment on the implementation of nuclear energy itself (simply because we were not given time to understand the ramifications of the proposals within the new energy plan or space to express ourselves regarding it) we can stress the regularity in which Southwest Virginia is left out of conversations regarding the manner in which we forge ahead. Unfortunately, this has been the norm for projects involving large-scale energy developments in the coalfields both historically and contemporarily.
We demand The Nature Conservancy, InvestSWVA, Virginia Energy, and Gov. Youngkin to be better stewards of our communities, environment, and a just economy in the region. Most importantly, we call them into better serving our people. Removing Appalachians from the conversation demonstrates a lack of good faith and disrespect for the voices of our people. We further demand an open and transparent public process that centers on accountability, addresses public grievances, compensates local community & individuals, and provides assurances for public safety & security. Most critically, under-resourced communities experiencing poverty and generational marginalization should be protected, not further exploited by the decisions made in a closed door process. Southern Appalachian Mountain Stewards will not allow our communities to be exploited for the sake of corporate profits & political advantage. If Appalachians are left out, Appalachians will resist.
We have an opportunity in Southwest Virginia to develop a sustainable, diversified, and equitable economy that builds prosperity for all. If the people living this region are excluded from decision-making about our future, how can we be expected to trust and accept the choices being foisted upon us from Richmond and beyond?