On Monday, September 15 in Wise County, VA, about 50 activists protested at the construction site of Dominion Power's so-called "Hybrid Energy Center". The plant is really a dirty coal-fired power plant that we are not going to let them complete. Ten activists locked down to steel barrels and other devices to blockade two gates at the site. Two of the barrels had mounted solar panels being used to power LED lights in a banner that was raised above the barrels, to show that there are cleaner alternatives to coal.

The blockade lasted for about four hours and resulted in the arrest of the ten activists who locked down and one other activist who was acting as a police liason. All of the arrested were given the four charges of dispersal of unlawful or riotous assemblies, criminal trespass, participation in an unlawful assembly, and obstruction of justice. Two were also charged with 10 counts of instigating trespass by others. Apparently the authorities saw these two as leaders and can't wrap their brains around the fact that we have no leaders. We expect many of these charges to be dropped. The activists were arraigned the next day and had their next court date set for Oct. 17 in Wise.

If built, this coal plant would increase the demand for mountaintop removal coal in Virginia, would dump more mercury pollution in the Clinch River, and would not be compatible for carbon capture technology.

This action was organized by Mountain Justice, Blue Ridge Earth First!, Rainforest Action Network, Asheville Rising Tide, and Students for Democratic Society.

For more information on the action including video and photos, please visit www.wiseupdominion.org.