You can save money, or you can save the planet

That, in simplified form, summarizes the debate over the proposed
coal-burning power plant in Surry County, the latest front in Virginia's struggle to find new energy sources while protecting the environment.

The Old Dominion Electric Cooperative proposes to build the $4 billion plant in the tiny Surry County community of Dendron, about 60 miles southeast of Richmond.

Called the Cypress Creek Power Station, the 750to 1,500-megawatt plant would provide relatively cheap power to help ODEC meet a projected 40 percent increase in demand by 2020, the utility says.

But it would release 14.6 million tons a year of carbon dioxide, a heat-trapping gas linked to global warming, along with thousands of tons of other pollutants.

Many environmentalists oppose the plant. Both sides see the case as a microcosm of America's energy debate.

Though some people in Surry are concerned about possible health impacts, the plant would mean well-paying jobs and a large amount of tax revenue for the rural Southside Virginia county, population 7,100.

ODEC, which needs more than 50 permits for the plant, hopes to start construction in 2012 and begin operating in 2016.

Today we explore both sides of the debate.

PRO:

• It would help meet an increasing demand for electricity and would create well-paying jobs.
• Alternatives such as wind and solar power don't produce enough electricity.
• Electricity made from coal is affordable.
See story - The pros: Surry County coal plant

CON:

• Annually, it would release 14.6 million tons of carbon dioxide, a gas linked to global warming.
• It would release thousands of tons of pollutants that contribute to smog, haze and other problems.
• The utility pushing for the plant should do more to conserve energy.
See story - The cons: Surry County coal plant