NEWS OUTLETS ACROSS THE STATE REPORTED ON 
HAMPTON DELLINGER'S OPPOSITION TO A NEW COAL-FIRED
POWER PLANT IN NORTH CAROLINA

From the Charlotte Observer (1/1/08)
CANDIDATE WANTS COAL FIRED PLANT REJECTED
Dellinger, lieutenant governor hopeful, says it would harm Smokies

Raleigh -- Hampton Dellinger, running for the Democratic nomination for N.C. lieutenant governor, urged regulators Monday to reject Duke Energy's planned expansion of a coal-fired power plant 50 miles west of Charlotte.

Dellinger said the expansion could have a severe impact on the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, and that any new coal-fired facility should be a last resort. He is a Durham lawyer and former legal counsel to Gov. Mike Easley.

"There is no overriding reason to grant a state permit now, and plenty of good reasons not to," he said in a statement e-mailed to the Observer.

The proposed expansion has led to a major fight between Duke, which says it's the best way to provide electricity to a growing region, and environmentalists pushing for alternatives. The N.C. Division of Air Quality is considering whether to issue a permit allowing the expansion at Duke's Cliffside site in Rutherford County.

Dellinger's statement injects the issue into the Democratic primary, where the environment could be a concern for voters.

He contrasted his position with that of state Sen. Walter Dalton, D-Rutherford, who is also running for lieutenant governor. Dalton supported Duke's initial plan to build two coal-fired power plants at the Cliffside site, and Dalton's campaign released a statement standing by that decision.

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From the Carolinas Clean-Air Coalition's Air Issues Update (1/07/08)
Cliffside Opposition Going Strong!

Duke Energy is still waiting on a decision from the NC Division of Air Quality (DAQ) for approval of a permit to expand its Cliffside coal-fired power plant located 50 miles west of Charlotte.  Just last month, a state official, responding to public outcry over Duke's plan, recommended more than a dozen revisions before the project receives final approval.  Now, candidates across the state are beginning to come out against Cliffside; including former legal counsel to NC Governor Mike Easley, Hampton Dellinger, who is running for NC lieutenant governor this election season.

As you know, the expansion of Cliffside will emit toxic mercury, ozone-forming compounds, deadly soot and global warming pollution that will degrade our air quality and accelerate climate change.

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From the Independent Weekly (1/9/08)

Lieutenant Governor candidate Hampton Dellinger rang in the new year by opposing Duke Energy's proposed new coal-fired power plant, Cliffside, saying in a prepared statement, "There is no overriding reason to grant a state permit now and plenty of good reasons not to."

The Durham Democrat is asking the N.C. Division of Air Quality to reject Duke's request for an air permit to operate the 800-megawatt plant. The National Park Service has determined that itwould severely impact the air quality in Great Smoky Mountains National Park. The Environmental Protection Agency has sued Duke over modifications it made to eight existing plants that didn't include required pollution controls. (See related stories: "James Hansen won't be quiet," Dec. 5, 2007; "Clock ticking on Cliffside decision," Feb. 28, 2007; "Duke Energy pays lip service to efficiency," Oct. 4, 2006.)