The Private Equity Stakeholder Project (PESP) and the Sierra Club have sent a joint letter to Blackstone, urging the group to shut down the Gavin Power Plant in Ohio due to environmental concerns, labeling it as the “largest and dirtiest” coal-burning power plant in the United States. The closure of the plant, which employs nearly 300 people and produces 11% of the electricity in Ohio, could result in job losses and higher energy costs for residents. Democratic Sen. Sherrod Brown has a long history of working with PESP and has been endorsed by their PAC. However, PESP has been criticized for its anti-Israel rhetoric and radical ties, raising concerns about Brown’s association with the organization.
The Sierra Club has been running ads targeting Blackstone’s leadership to pressure them into retiring the plant, further adding to the controversy surrounding the situation. Residents of Gallia County, where the plant is located, already have higher average electric bills compared to other parts of Ohio, and closing the plant could potentially raise those costs even higher. The Ohio Senate race between Brown and Republican businessman Bernie Moreno has been deemed a critical battleground that could determine control of the Senate next year. Energy issues, including coal production and fracking, are key concerns for Ohio voters, with Brown advocating for an “all of the above approach” to American energy independence.
PESP has received funding from left-leaning organizations such as the Soros-backed Foundation to Promote an Open Society, raising questions about the group’s motives and connections. Some staff members have been involved in anti-Israel protests and radical activities, leading to further scrutiny of the organization. Despite concerns about PESP’s anti-Israel rhetoric, the Brown campaign has stated that the senator will fight to protect Ohio jobs and work to keep the power plant open in order to maintain affordable energy costs and ensure the health and safety of local residents.
The controversy surrounding PESP and their efforts to close the Gavin Power Plant highlights the complex intersection of environmental concerns, energy policy, and political interests in Ohio. With the upcoming Senate race between Brown and Moreno heating up, the future of energy production in the state hangs in the balance. Critics of Brown argue that his association with radical groups like PESP indicates a lack of support for Ohio’s energy industry, while supporters point to his efforts to block certain energy regulations as evidence of his commitment to protecting local interests.
PESP’s defense of their push to close the power plant is based on environmental and public health concerns, citing the plant as one of the highest emitting and deadliest coal-fired power plants in the country. The group argues that the emissions from the plant have significant impacts on the health of residents in Ohio and other eastern states, resulting in premature deaths. The Sierra Club, which has aligned with PESP in their efforts to close the plant, has not responded to requests for comment. As the debate continues to unfold, the fate of the Gavin Power Plant and its impact on Ohioans remain uncertain.
