Public Comment Turns Heated Over Proposed Duke Energy Gas Plant
Duke Energy could build a 1,360-megawatt natural gas power plant on company-owned land in the western part of Davidson County. Climate advocates say if approved by the N.C. Utilities Commission, would add tons of climate-heating greenhouse gases into the air each year. Plans are not final for the project. The 1,600-acre site at 3714 Giles Road is about eight-and-half miles west of Lexington and could impact the Yadkin River.
A packed and emotional public address period brought 18 residents to the podium, many voicing strong opposition to a proposed methane gas plant tied to Duke Energy, along with related pipeline projects, nondisclosure agreements and broader environmental and health concerns. No vote was taken during the roughly 34-minute exchange, but the tone was clear: residents are paying close attention and demanding answers.
Speaker after speaker raised concerns about the project’s potential impact on air quality, water resources and the long-term character of Davidson County.
Phil Rawls of Hunters Point opened by thanking commissioners before outlining environmental risks he believes the plant would bring. He pointed to large withdrawals from the Yadkin River, increased humidity, warmer return water flows and the possibility of contaminants. He also warned of air pollution and respiratory issues that could affect not just Davidson County but neighboring communities as well.
Chuck Slip Petsky echoed those concerns, questioning continued reliance on fossil fuels and asking directly whether any nondisclosure agreements were in place with Duke Energy. County Manager Casey Smith confirmed that a standard economic development NDA exists, explaining it is commonly used in negotiations to protect proprietary information.
For some residents, the issue is already being felt on the ground.
Mona Hardiman described living for decades in what she called a quiet Midway neighborhood, now disrupted by ongoing pipeline construction. She urged officials to stop both the pipelines and the proposed plant. In response, a commissioner clarified that pipeline permitting is handled at the state and federal level, encouraging residents to contact their legislators.
Jeff Hardiman, a Meadow Trail resident, spoke about increased industrial traffic cutting through a cul-de-sac neighborhood and raised concerns about greenhouse gas emissions impacting nearby homes and farmland.
Others questioned the broader value of the project.
Josh Hedrick, who said his property sits near the proposed site, described infrastructure limitations, including narrow local roads, and argued the project would bring few jobs while primarily benefiting the utility company. Crystal Norford expanded on that point, referencing Duke Energy’s combined-cycle gas plant plans and ongoing review by the North Carolina Utilities Commission. She cited air-quality data approaching federal limits and urged county leaders to oppose both the plant and the Southeast Supply Enhancement Pipeline.
Concerns about transparency surfaced repeatedly.
TJ Weddy questioned whether elected officials are doing enough to protect residents, pointing to rising costs of living, fewer job opportunities and what he described as a lack of clear communication. Janine Perduto spoke forcefully about the existence of the NDA, asking commissioners to clarify who they represent and calling for full transparency. She also argued the project is incompatible with local zoning and long-term public health, urging a shift toward renewable energy.
At one point, officials departed from typical procedure to respond. A county representative explained that Duke Energy operates as a state-regulated monopoly, noting that many decisions, including regulatory approvals and certain agreements, are governed at the state level. While public comment is welcomed, officials emphasized that meetings are not structured for extended back-and-forth debate.
Health concerns extended beyond people to animals and agriculture.
Donna Solari, who said her 52-acre rescue farm borders Duke Energy property, cited studies linking natural gas plants to respiratory issues and broader community health impacts. She raised concerns about proximity to schools and the potential long-term cost to both human and animal health.
As tensions rose, Chuck Slip Petsky returned to the podium, criticizing government response and raising additional concerns about heat islands, water usage during drought conditions and the role of large-scale energy and data infrastructure. His comments capped a charged public address period before officials closed the session.
While no formal action was taken, the message from residents was consistent: the proposed project is not just an economic development question, but one many see as a defining issue for the county’s environment, health and future growth.
