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Coal-fired Power Plants

An economic opportunity or a threat to the health and livability of our region?

by Rodney Berry
Kathy Strobel, Research Assistant

Coal-fired power plants in Kentucky and our region: What should we do?

Option 3. Allow new plants to be built, but insist on higher standards, better regulation, end loopholes and emissions trading.

This option suggests that additional coal-fired power plants should be approved if the latest technology is used to reduce pollution. Older plants should conform to new regulations or be phased out. Plants that emit more pollution than the amount allowed should not be able to credit it against another plant that pollutes less.

Those who support this option may say Those who oppose this option may say
  • This is a practical compromise that allows for increased coal production and power generation as long as there are stronger environmental considerations.
  • The technology is available, for example, to remove 90 percent of the mercury from coal-fired power plant emissions. We owe it to our children to use this technology. If other states can adopt stronger emissions standards, Kentucky can as well.
  • It is unconscionable to allow a loophole whereby pollution credits can be assigned from one plant to another. This will result in concentrated areas of emissions that will endanger the health of nearby residents.
  • Since Kentucky has the lowest electric rates in the country, we are in the position to absorb the added cost of pollution controls even if it increases costs.
  • Power plants already do an impressive job of reducing pollution. Utility company employees and their families value clean air and water as much as anyone.
  • We should not spend excessively on pollution controls. Kentucky needs to keep costs down to sustain its competitive edge as the lowest-price provider of electrical power.
  • With sharp increases in natural gas prices in recent years, there is increasing consumer pressure to keep electrical rates down.
  • Emissions trading provides utilities with the flexibility necessary to phase in investments in pollution controls.
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