Standing in solidarity against dirty, dangerous, and expensive energy

Beyond Nuclear staff attended the rally in Washington D.C. on Sunday, July 13th against the Cove Point LNG (liquefied natural gas) expansion proposal, alongside organizing groups such as CCAN (Chesapeake Climate Action Network) and Public Citizen.

We've worked with them, and many other environmental group allies and concerned local residents, for the past many years, in order to successfully stop the Calvert Cliffs 3 proposed new reactor. Constellation Energy's Calvert Cliffs Units 1 & 2 (now owned by Exelon Nuclear), in Lusby, Maryland on the shoreline, are just a few miles from Dominion's Cove Point LNG terminal located out in the Chesapeake Bay. In the aftermath of the 9/11 terrorist attacks, U.S. Senator Barbara Mikulski warned about the security risks, due to the proximity of Calvert Cliffs to Cove Point.

Dominion also owns the North Anna nuclear power plant in Mineral, Virginia. Beyond Nuclear has worked with CCAN and other anti-fracking allies to oppose proposed new reactor units there, as well. We've also joined forces to successfully promote renewable alternatives, such as offshore wind power, in the Mid-Atlantic region.

As we've reported previously, the natural gas fracking wastes that would be generated in order to supply Cove Point's overseas export expansion are not only chemically toxic, but radioactive.

See CCAN's press release about the rally, including many colorful, powerful photos.

EcoWatch has reported on this issue. Mike Tidwell, CCAN's director, appeared NPR's Diane Rehm Show on July 15th.

Update on July 14, 2014 by admin

Police in Washington began arresting activists Monday morning after the first-ever sit-in at FERC. Photo credit: @CCAN/Twitter25 people were arrested by Homeland Security police on Monday, July 14th for conducting a non-violent, civil disobedience direct action at the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission, blocking entrances as employees showed up for work at the agency in charge of permitting Cove Point. See the press release, and photos from the direct action.

EcoWatch has reported on this story.