The North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) held a public hearing on November 22, 2024, regarding Duke Energy's application for an air quality permit for a proposed methane gas plant in Person County. The meeting drew significant public concern, particularly about the potential health and environmental impacts associated with the project.

The hearing began with a speaker expressing deep concerns about the environmental implications of Duke Energy's plans. They highlighted the company's intention to retire a coal-fired power plant at Heiko Lake, only to replace it with a methane gas facility. While acknowledging the transition away from coal, the speaker pointed out that natural gas plants also contribute to air pollution. They raised alarms about Duke's plan to operate both the coal and gas plants simultaneously for an unspecified duration, potentially extending up to five years. This dual operation could exacerbate air quality issues in a region already grappling with high rates of cancer and respiratory diseases.

Further testimony revealed alarming statistics about the health risks in the area surrounding the proposed plant. The community has reported significantly higher rates of infant and child mortality compared to national averages, alongside elevated incidences of cancer, stroke, and chronic heart disease. The speaker emphasized that Duke Energy's application lacked a robust monitoring plan for harmful pollutants, which could lead to increased health risks for local residents.

Subsequent speakers echoed these concerns, criticizing the air permit process as inadequate for engaging the community. They argued that many residents were unaware of the hearing, and those who were often felt powerless against the pollution and health risks posed by Duke Energy's operations. One speaker pointed out that the absence of an enforceable retirement date for the coal plant could leave the community exposed to compounded pollution from both facilities.

Another speaker urged the DEQ to deny the permit, citing Duke's failure to comply with the Clean Air Act and the potential for increased emissions due to inefficient operation of the gas plants. They called for a comprehensive assessment of the cumulative environmental impacts on the community, particularly given the area's existing health challenges.

The hearing concluded with a strong call from multiple community members for the DEQ to prioritize public health and environmental justice in their decision-making process. They urged the agency to reject the permit unless significant improvements and monitoring measures were implemented to protect the health of local residents.

As the DEQ considers Duke Energy's application, the testimonies from the public underscore the urgent need for transparency and accountability in environmental regulation, particularly in communities already burdened by pollution.