Tenaska seeks a special-use permit to construct a second gas plant adjacent to its existing methane power plant in Fluvanna. The new plant would more than double its environmental impact on our air, water, and health, and Fluvanna will bear the health and environmental costs, while Tenaska reaps the profits.

• Gas-fired power plants emit air pollutants such as nitrogen oxides, fine particulate matter, formaldehyde, and ozone.
• There's no safe level for fine particulate matter, leading to higher illness and death rates among nearby residents.
• A similar proposal in Wisconsin projected health-related costs of up to $58.9M annually—something to consider alongside Tenaska's claimed community benefits.
• Methane leaks are unavoidable in gas plants, even with controls in place, and methane is over 25 times more potent than CO₂.
• The existing plant uses 3 to 4 million gallons of water daily from the James River and releases water into the Rivanna River. The new plant will increase this by 6 to 7 million gallons, returning treated water to the river.
• Proximity to power plants often results in a decline of at least 11% in property values.

In its materials, Tenaska conceals the well-documented health risks associated with methane gas plants and fails to disclose its true motivation for building a new gas plant. Furthermore, energy companies often exaggerate the local tax revenues and job benefits they provide to communities. It's important to note that the operation of Tenaska's current gas-fired plant in Fluvanna did not prevent the recent increase in property taxes.

CLAIM: Tenaska cites "growing power demand" for the facility; however, residential energy use is expected to remain stable.

REALITY: The proposed plant will not supply power to our community of just under 12,000 homes. Instead, the Tenaska plant is connected to a regional power grid, where it sells electricity on the open market to utilities, power marketers, and large industrial customers. The primary demand comes from large data centers operated by some of the wealthiest corporations.

CLAIM: Tenaska claims that construction jobs will benefit Fluvanna residents.

REALITY: The Richmond Building and Construction Trades Council has accused Tenaska of hiring out-of-state workers to build its first plant. Tenaska admits that this practice will also apply to the proposed plant.

CLAIM: Tenaska promises to generate $8.8 million in local wages for the proposed new plant.

REALITY: Only 19 of the 29 employees at the Tenaska Virginia facility reside in Fluvanna, casting doubt on their claim of local wages for the new plant.

CLAIM: Tenaska boasts that its significant community investment lies in its support of local students, as it grants four $2,500 scholarships to students in Fluvanna and Buckingham.

REALITY: The $10,000 annual scholarship donation seems meager in light of its gross operating revenues of $10.2 billion in 2024.

Tenaska needs approval from the Planning Commission and the Board of Supervisors.

Our local officials have heard from Tenaska.

Let's make sure they hear from us.