Environmental groups argue a proposed gas-fired power plant in Prince George’s County would violate the civil rights of its neighbors, who are predominantly black, and are asking federal officials to investigate.
Earthjustice, the Brandywine TB Coalition and the Patuxent Riverkeeper say that with two existing power plants and two other proposed plants within 13 miles of the Brandywine area, air pollution is already disproportionately affecting that community. Dallas-based Panda Power Funds’ planned 859-megawatt plant known as the Panda Mattawoman Power Project would exacerbate air quality there, the groups said.
They called it an issue of environmental racism and socioeconomic injustice. The groups filed civil rights complaints with the Environmental Protection Agency and U.S. Department of Transportation on Monday, they said.
“Brandywine seems to be getting more than its share of heavy industry and power-generating uses,” said Fred Tutman, the Patuxent Riverkeeper. “It is time for an honest conversation about the future of Brandywine and its residential population with respect to fairness, equity and self-determination.”
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