Will Virginia’s 400 million gallon ethanol megalopolis be built? Crucial city vote is imminent

In Virginia, supporters and opponents of a 237 Mgy ethanol plant proposed for the Chesapeake Bay area are scrambling for last minute support as the local council members prepare for the final vote on the plan.  International Bio Energy Virginia has made dozens of presentations in support of their project, while a former mayor is lobbying council members to build support for the project.

Last month, planning commissioners recommended that the $400 million plant proposed for Chesapeake Bay area be denied.  The project has been in jeopardy since unfavorable environmental were published and local and regional political support waned. The Baltimore Sun published a report by the Chesapeake Bay Commission estimating that 5 million pounds of nitrogen would pour into Chesapeake Bay if the plant goes through, due to increased corn planting.

Environmental and neighborhood groups have been active in opposition, and the plant’s owners had hired top PR counsel to build public support.

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