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Morgantown council approves resolution opposing proposed Mon Power gas plant
Summary
After public comment and council discussion, Morgantown City Council voted unanimously June 16 to adopt a resolution opposing Mon Power’s proposed 1,200 MW gas‑fired plant near Fort Martin, citing cost, customer risk and health concerns raised by community members.
Morgantown City Council voted unanimously on June 16 to approve a resolution opposing Mon Power’s proposed approximately 1,200‑megawatt gas‑fired power plant to be sited near Fort Martin in Monongalia County.
The resolution followed public comments from local activists and a brief council discussion. Mark Rozell of the Green Team told council the project is estimated to cost $2.48 billion, carries a projected completion date of about 2031, and could produce direct rate impacts he described as a 0.9% increase followed by a 2.3% increase during construction. Rozell also warned that contract terms appear to allow “full recovery of all costs,” which he said would leave ratepayers responsible for the plant’s costs regardless of whether the plant is ultimately used. “It’s kind of like being asked to be an insurance company without being paid,” Rozell said, adding his concern that some of the power could be designated for data‑center use.
Council members asked clarifying questions about the scope and who would contract for the power; staff noted the project description includes some solar components but that, as presented in public materials, there was not yet a firm power‑purchase contract identifying a customer for the additional generation. After brief discussion a councilor moved to approve the resolution; the clerk recorded a 6‑0 vote in favor.
The resolution is a formal expression of council position and does not, by itself, veto or halt any permitting or regulatory process outside the city’s direct land‑use authority. The council action follows several public meetings and written materials presented to city leaders and signals local opposition that may be transmitted to county or state decision‑makers and project proponents.
What happens next: the resolution will be entered into the council record and circulated through appropriate channels; any regulatory determinations or project approvals beyond the city’s authority would proceed through county, state or federal processes.
