Residents of the Bucks community in northern Mobile County are pressing Tenaska for more details about its Longleaf Energy Hub, a proposed natural‑gas‑fueled power plant paired with a carbon‑capture and storage (CCS) facility. The company says the development could generate up to 750 megawatts—enough electricity for roughly 750,000 homes—and would sit on about 50 acres of a 520‑acre site that already has access to natural gas, water and power transmission lines.
Local questions and concerns
Several neighbors, including Lacey Chestang, say they only recently learned of the project through letters sent to nearby households. While some residents received the letters, others, like Chestang, did not. The correspondence outlines Tenaska’s plans but, according to Chestang, fails to explain how the plant might affect the local environment, wildlife, or even basic vegetation.
“The letter used a lot of big words that don’t explain exactly what impacts it will have on the environment or the animals or even, you know, just basic plants here in the area,” Chestang told reporter Jordyn Lassiter.
Potential impacts on daily life
For families living along Henry Davis and Weaver roads, the announcement has sparked worries about increased traffic on what they describe as a residential, rural road. Chestang noted, “It’s kind of been a shocker because our road is kind of like a residential road. So it’s rural. So it’s going to bring in a lot of traffic and I look at a lot of issues going to be with it.” Residents also want precise information on where the plant and CCS unit will be sited within the larger property.
Permitting and next steps
Tenaska acknowledges that the project still requires multiple local, state and federal permits, including air‑quality and water‑use approvals, before construction can begin. The company emphasizes that the site’s existing infrastructure makes it a logical location for additional power generation and carbon‑capture capabilities.
To address community concerns, Tenaska is hosting an informational meeting on November 19 at 5 p.m. in the Turnerville Volunteer Fire Department building. Attendance requires an RSVP to Jessica James at [email protected] by November 13.
Why the project matters
Proponents argue that adding a natural‑gas plant with CCS technology can help meet regional electricity demand while reducing carbon emissions compared with traditional coal‑fired generation. If approved, the facility could provide a reliable power source for the Mobile area and contribute to broader state energy‑security goals.
Critics, however, remain skeptical about the promised environmental benefits and stress the need for transparent impact studies. They also point to potential strain on local roads and the importance of preserving the rural character of the Bucks area.
Community voice
Chestang summed up the sentiment of many neighbors: “It seems like there’s a lot coming in here, but they’re trying to make it sound like it’s going to be beneficial to our area. They’re going to have to explain that really well to us.” The upcoming meeting will give residents a chance to ask direct questions and gauge how the project might shape the future of their community.
Original reporting: FOX10 WALA Mobile (news) — read the source article.
