Study casts doubt on need for coal-fired generator

[irishbobcat]

Because there is NO SUCH THING AS CLEAN COAL!!!!!!!!

[Why?Town]

The environmantalists aren't happy with a more efficient coal fired plant replacing inefficient ones, they want to go directly to wind, solar and biomass.

I wonder if they're mad that the C4C program allowed people to buy more efficient gasoline powered cars?

[irishbobcat]

Study casts doubt on need for coal-fired generator
   Sep 8, 2009   Detroit Free Press   
   Kathleen Gray Sep. 8, 2009 (McClatchy-Tribune Regional News delivered by Newstex) -- Because of energy efficiency initiatives and the increased use of renewable energy sources to create power, Consumers Energy won't need a new coal plant until at least 2022, the Michigan Public Service Commission staff said in a report released today. The report to the Michigan Department of Environmental Quality deals a blow to Consumers' plans to build an 830-megawatt coal-fired plant near Bay City. The Michigan DEQ has the job of deciding whether to grant an air quality permit to Consumers to build the plant. "Consumers Energy's long-term capacity need is unjustified with the explicit retirement of existing coal capacity in its baseload generation fleet," the staff report said. But Consumers spokesman Jeff Holyfield said while the utility is disappointed in the report, it should not be construed as a fatal hit to the utility's plans. "We've got the oldest fleet of coal plants in the nation and while they're serving customers well, this would allow for the eventual retirement of the older, less efficient units we operate," he said. Environmentalists, who have been steadfastly opposed to the Bay City plant, hailed the report. "This report makes clear that our energy needs can be met with efficiency programs that save money for ratepayers and with clean energy options like wind, solar and biomass that provide manufacturing jobs for Michiganders and revenue for farmers throughout the state," said Michigan Environmental Council President Chris Kolb. Consumers had hoped to build the $2-billion plant and have it in production by 2017. The DEQ is expected to make a decision on the air quality permit by the end of this year. Newstex ID: KRTB-0048-37820602    
   

     Sorry Charlie Wilson, we don't need your dirty coal plants to power this country, and we don't need you re-elected to Congress in 2010!

     Dennis Spisak
     Mahoning Valley Green Party
      Ohio Green Party
      www.ohiogreens.org
      www.votespisak.org/thinkgreen/