Lawmaker wants moratorium on all coal-fired power plants.
Wednesday, January 18, 2006
casperstartribune.net
BOISE, Idaho (AP) -- A Blaine County lawmaker wants legislators to approve a moratorium on all coal-fired power plants.
Sen. Clint Stennett, D-Ketchum, has prepared legislation that would block all permits on such plants until April 1, 2007. That would halt progress on a 520-megawatt coal gasification plant planned for a site outside Pocatello.
"That's really the problem here. We're not set up in this new world of deregulation," Stennett said of plants that produce more than 250 megawatts of power. "I think out-of-state interests are looking at Idaho as babes of the wood."
Stennett says he has five new proposals aimed at regulating coal plants in Idaho. One calls for a site evaluation council with representatives from areas that would be affected.
"Every time there's a proposed location, you put a compass down and draw a 50-mile circle and any counties or cities inside that would have the opportunity of having a voice," explained Stennett, who serves as the Senate minority leader.
Plans for the Pocatello-area coal plant were announced in March. Some residents worry the facility could affect local air quality.
Supporters say the state has environmental regulations to protect the air. And they say the plant would be good for the region's economy.
"I have a lot of confidence in our local officials to make good decisions when it comes to that," said Sen. Bob Geddes, R-Soda Springs, of the plant site. "A power plant is pretty critical (for our economy). No one wants to have them in their back yard. Well, I want one in my back yard."
Geddes agreed the jurisdiction issue surrounding the development of industry in Power County has troubled Bannock County residents during the last 50 years, but he added, "It's hard to say there's been no benefits and it's all been a burden."
Stennett acknowledged it will be difficult to pass the proposals in the Republican-dominated Legislature.
The proposed coal gasification plant in Power County would generate enough electricity for 500,000 homes. It's a project of Southeastern Idaho Energy LLC, a Delaware-based group.
Idaho has no coal plants running now, but there are several proposed, including a $1 billion Sempra coal-fired power plant in Jerome County. |
