A controversial nonprofit watchdog organization, known for its anti-Israel rhetoric and ties to vulnerable Democratic Sen. Sherrod Brown, is pushing to close one of the largest power plants in the United States. This move, which could cost hundreds of jobs and increase energy costs for Ohioans, has drawn sharp criticism from those concerned about the potential impact on the state’s energy grid and local communities.
The Private Equity Stakeholder Project (PESP), in collaboration with the Sierra Club, recently sent a letter to Blackstone, the owner of the Gavin Power Plant in Ohio, demanding its closure due to environmental concerns. They argue that the Gavin plant, which is the largest coal-burning power plant in Ohio and the 9th largest in the country, is a major source of pollution and should be shut down.
However, experts warn that closing the Gavin plant could have severe consequences. The Institute for Energy Research estimates that the closure could destabilize the electric grid and power markets in Ohio, as the plant generates 11% of the state’s electricity. Moreover, residents of Gallia County, where the plant is located, already face higher average electric bills than other parts of Ohio, and closing the plant would likely exacerbate this problem.
The controversy surrounding the plant’s potential closure highlights the complex interplay between environmental concerns, economic considerations, and political agendas. While the Sierra Club has been running ads targeting Blackstone’s leadership to pressure the company into retiring the plant, the PESP’s role in this campaign has raised eyebrows due to its past statements and actions.
The PESP has a history of promoting anti-Israel rhetoric and has been funded by several left-leaning groups, including the Soros-backed Foundation to Promote an Open Society, the Ford Foundation, and the Surdna Foundation. A previous Fox Business review found that several PESP staff members participated in anti-Israel protests or expressed extreme views regarding the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
Despite the controversy surrounding the PESP, Sen. Brown has a long-standing relationship with the organization. He participated in a PESP press conference in June 2023 and cited the group in a letter to the Federal National Mortgage Association in 2020. Brown’s campaign maintains that he is committed to protecting Ohio jobs and will work to keep the Gavin plant open, but they have not addressed the PESP’s anti-Israel rhetoric.
The Ohio Senate race is considered a tight contest, with polls showing a close race between Sen. Brown and Republican businessman Bernie Moreno. The outcome of the race will have significant implications for the balance of power in the U.S. Senate, making the issue of energy production and the fate of the Gavin Power Plant a pivotal point in the campaign.
With the potential closure of the Gavin plant looming large, the debate in Ohio is likely to intensify. The energy sector, a critical component of the state’s economy, is at the heart of this complex issue, pitting environmental concerns against economic realities and the need for stable energy supply. As the race for the Senate seat heats up, the focus on energy policies and the future of the Gavin Power Plant will continue to be a major talking point, with implications for the state and the national political landscape.