A coalition of environmental groups is launching a broad-based effort to stop plans for a coal-fired power plant in southwest Virginia.

The environmentalists are concerned about greenhouse gas emissions from the 585-megawatt plant proposed by Dominion Virginia Power. They also are worried that coal used by the plant will come from strip mining practices that have leveled mountains in the region.

The coalition has filed a legal challenge to Dominion's proposal before the State Corporation Commission. The groups also are seeking signatures on a petition opposing the plant and have asked Governor Tim Kaine to review the proposal in light of an energy plan he released recently.

Dominion is proposing to build a $1.6 billion plant on 1,700 acres near Saint Paul that could generate enough power to supply 146,000 homes. If approved by the SCC after a hearing in January, a Dominion spokesman says the plant should be in operation by 2012.