Alabama Public Service Commission President Twinkle Cavanaugh announced her opposition to the Chandler Mountain pump storage project Tuesday.
Alabama Power is studying the project as a possible solution to store energy generated from alternative sources.
Cavanaugh said her opposition stems from concerns over the duration it would take for the project to come online – which is projected to be more than a decade. She is also concerned about resources that might be diverted from other energy solutions.
“This pump storage technology that Alabama Power is exploring is just another unworkable solution being endorsed by out-of-state liberals trying to hijack our energy policy,” Cavanaugh said. “Alabama needs a full portfolio of energy production options, but I will never let the climate socialists import their energy fantasies from California.”
The project could displace some residents in St. Clair and Etowah counties. However, the Chandler Mountain Project remains in its pre-application stage, leaving details, such as required land acquisition – including, possibly eminent domain – yet to be finalized.
The Chandler Mountain pump storage system would involve pumping water uphill, which requires energy, from one reservoir to another. Some amount of energy is then generated by releasing that same water down the hill to spin turbines.
“This is clearly an inefficient method for producing the type of energy required to power a 21st century economy,” Cavanaugh said. “That is why | am opposing the project, and I will not grant permission for it to proceed. Alabama Power should seek other options to meet Alabama’s energy needs.
“Alabama families and Alabama industries and businesses demand innovative solutions to fuel our future. By the time this cost-prohibitive project could come online, our evolving technologies will make it antiquated. I will continue to fight every aspect of the Green New Deal policy, and | will advocate for energy policy, which reflects Alabama’s values and our vast potential.”
In a statement last month, Alabama Power said, “It is important to remember that no decisions have been made; we are in the preliminary stages of exploring the opportunity at Chandler Mountain.”
Grayson Everett is a staff writer for Yellowhammer News. You can follow him on Twitter @Grayson270
