Organizers raise concerns over potential gas-fired power plant at RFK Stadium site

Later this morning, a coalition of organizations will speak out demanding the Washington Commanders drop any potential plans to build a gas-fired power plant that would help power the new stadium. Stephanie Ramirez is in northeast D.C. with more. I've got to be honest, one of the things that did not cross my mind when it comes to building massive construction projects like a new stadium is how they're powered. It's a lot of things that have to be considered. There are a lot of things that have to be considered. I do want to note that I just had a parent, as he was walking his way to school, yell over, they have to get over it, was his response to me. Now, some of the groups involved with today, they are calling some of the potential plans for the RFK site they're learning about worse than a data center. Some of those groups involve Sierra Club, the Kingman Park Civic Association. Now, September 30th is when multiple groups raised concerns at a D.C. Council hearing. And that's where we heard activists call on the council to amend the comprehensive plan. It would explicitly prohibit the use of combustion fuels on the RFK campus. Now, we know some would consider an exception for backup power. Others, though, they want a full ban. And we also heard these power concerns applied to not just the new RFK stadium, but also to the 5,000 to 6,500 housing units planned for the site. Those involved argue a gas-fired plant would pollute the air by releasing toxins like nitrogen oxides and carbon monoxide, mainly impacting Ward 7, which many activists notice already dealing with high rates of asthma. And other pollutants, these groups are arguing it would violate D.C. laws meant to meet the city's clean energy goals. Here's some of the direct impact described in that September 30th hearing. Our Beyond Gas coalition investigates D.C. residents' exposure to gas and the health-harming pollutants that are emitted when gas is burned. over three quarters of the homes that we tested measured levels of nitrogen dioxide above the EPA's outdoor standard of 100 parts per billion when a gas stove was used for just half an hour that's a regular weekday dinner now you guys should be seeing an open area now back that way is where some of the RFK campus is activists believe the commanders can meet the city standards with sufficient solar and battery capacity. Now, 10.30 this morning, not that long from now, is when there's going to be a press conference here at Triangle Park. We're going to be talking with the activists. We did also reach out to the commanders for comment as well. Steve, Marissa.