New Coal-Fired Power Plant

[Guest guest]

I don't care what they call their " special technique, " they're still

planning on burning coal to run this thing-and this is not much more

than two hours from my hometown! This is the first I've heard of it

(I'm still relatively new in my greener life). Evidently it's been

going on for some time and this is the only TV station that's

covered the story!

 

Coal-Burning Power Plant Debate

Reported by: Mallory Hardin, KARK 4 News

Wednesday, Jan 23, 2008 @10:12pm CST

 

A new coal-burning plant could bring hundreds of jobs to the natural

state. But one local group says it could also bring toxins and

chemicals that could be harmful to Arkansans health, and the

environment.

 

Arkansas already has a few coal-burning plants, and now SWEPCO is

planning on building a new one near Texarkana.

 

The John W. Turk coal burning power plant in southwest Arkansas

would provide electricity for around 600,000 homes if built, but the

Sierra club says power isn't the only thing it will bring.

 

" Coal fire power plants emit carbon dioxide, which is a main

component of global warming, " Glen Hooks Regional Representative for

The Sierra Club said.

 

Sierra Club representative Glen Hooks says it also emits poisons,

such as mercury, which causes birth defects.

 

" It gets in your water and in the soil and can be real bad for

Arkansans, " Hooks said.

 

That's why he, and other Arkansans are working to stop the plant

before it comes. Wednesday night they met to make video postcards to

send to the governor, asking not to bring any more coal burning

plants.

 

" We are the natural state. It's not the place where we need to put

more carbon monoxide and more poisons into our air and water, " Hooks

said.

 

But SWEPCO representatives disagree. They say the plant meets the

state's environmental standards, and will bring around 1,400 jobs to

southwest Arkansas.

 

" We understand their position. We also believe coal has to be a part

of America's energy mix, " SWEPCO representative Mike Young said.

 

They say by using something called ultra supercritical generation in

this plant, they're reducing emissions and fuel consumption.

 

" We believe the plant is a valuable resource. It will bring a lot of

jobs to this area. We have a long record at SWEPCO of environmental

stewardship, " Young said.