A new coal-fired power plant could soon be on the horizon in middle-Georgia. A consortium of 10 electric cooperatives says it plans to build a state-of-the-art coal-fired plant near Sandersville, in Washington County. The group says state population growth is outpacing its ability to provide power. A spokesman for the group says coal is an affordable and reliable energy source, and that construction of the plant will boost the local economy.
The plan for a coal-fired plant is unwelcome news for one state environmental group. Justine Thompson, Executive Director of GreenLaw, says the consortium’s 700,000 customers actually stand to lose by the deal: “Coal-fired power plants may be cheap and profitable for the companies that use them; but they are not cheap and profitable for the people who have to breathe the air.” She says coal is one of the dirtiest energy forms and severely impacts the state’s air and water quality. Her group plans to evaluate the proposal for the plant before considering legal options.
Power company officials hope to have the plant completed by 2013. Last week, a state judge approved the permit for a coal-burning power plant in Early County – it will be the state’s first in 20 years. Thompson and other environmental groups plan to appeal.
The plan for a coal-fired plant is unwelcome news for one state environmental group. Justine Thompson, Executive Director of GreenLaw, says the consortium’s 700,000 customers actually stand to lose by the deal: “Coal-fired power plants may be cheap and profitable for the companies that use them; but they are not cheap and profitable for the people who have to breathe the air.” She says coal is one of the dirtiest energy forms and severely impacts the state’s air and water quality. Her group plans to evaluate the proposal for the plant before considering legal options.
Power company officials hope to have the plant completed by 2013. Last week, a state judge approved the permit for a coal-burning power plant in Early County – it will be the state’s first in 20 years. Thompson and other environmental groups plan to appeal.
