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Consumers Energy is applauding approval of an air permit for a new coal plant in Bay County, while environmental groups are criticizing the decision by the "Granholm-Cherry administration."
“The issuance of the air permit for our new clean coal plant is good news for Michigan," John Russell, Consumers Energy’s president and chief operating officer, said in a statement.
"This permit moves our project a step closer to creating badly needed jobs and boosting the state’s economy. It also provides best-in-class protection for the environment with an offset for carbon dioxide emissions from the new plant and a substantial net reduction in overall emissions from our coal-fired generating fleet."
“The issuance of the air permit for our new clean coal plant is good news for Michigan," John Russell, Consumers Energy’s president and chief operating officer, said in a statement.
"This permit moves our project a step closer to creating badly needed jobs and boosting the state’s economy. It also provides best-in-class protection for the environment with an offset for carbon dioxide emissions from the new plant and a substantial net reduction in overall emissions from our coal-fired generating fleet."
The air permit includes a commitment from Consumers Energy to retire up to seven of its older, less efficient coal units after the new unit begins operating at the company’s Karn-Weadock complex in Bay County's Hampton Township
The $2 billion-plus, 830-megawatt plant is expected to create 1,800 construction jobs, about 2,500 indirect jobs and more than 100 permanent jobs after it begins operating in 2017, Russell said. Overall, the plant is projected to provide a $1.2 billion economic boost to Michigan, he said.
But environmental groups say the DEQ's decision "strikes a blow to clean energy investments and jobs in Michigan."
“We are disappointed by the failure of Governor Granholm to keep her promise to move Michigan toward a clean energy economy," said Sierra Club Michigan Chapter Director Anne Woiwode.
"Thousands committed to Michigan’s future are rallying to fight this badly flawed decision at every step to get Michigan back on track toward a clean energy economy."
Russell said the company plans to file a certificate of necessity application with the Michigan Public Service Commission in 2010.
The air permit includes a commitment from Consumers Energy to retire up to seven of its older, less efficient coal units after the new unit begins operating at the company’s Karn-Weadock complex in Bay County's Hampton Township.
Five of the older units will be retired following operation of the new unit, with retirement of the additional two older units depending on customer need, he said.
The Sierra Club and other groups counter that the shut-down requirement does nothing to push Consumers Energy toward clean energy alternatives.
“Michigan is heading in the wrong direction with this unfortunate decision,” Clean Water Action Michigan Director Cyndi Roper said.
“The federal government has declared coal pollutants a threat to human health. Every other state is investing in clean energy, creating jobs and turning away from coal. Michigan, on the other hand, is looking to the past and this decision threatens to keep us in the energy Dark Ages."
But environmental groups say the DEQ's decision "strikes a blow to clean energy investments and jobs in Michigan."
“We are disappointed by the failure of Governor Granholm to keep her promise to move Michigan toward a clean energy economy," said Sierra Club Michigan Chapter Director Anne Woiwode.
"Thousands committed to Michigan’s future are rallying to fight this badly flawed decision at every step to get Michigan back on track toward a clean energy economy."
Russell said the company plans to file a certificate of necessity application with the Michigan Public Service Commission in 2010.
The air permit includes a commitment from Consumers Energy to retire up to seven of its older, less efficient coal units after the new unit begins operating at the company’s Karn-Weadock complex in Bay County's Hampton Township.
Five of the older units will be retired following operation of the new unit, with retirement of the additional two older units depending on customer need, he said.
The Sierra Club and other groups counter that the shut-down requirement does nothing to push Consumers Energy toward clean energy alternatives.
“Michigan is heading in the wrong direction with this unfortunate decision,” Clean Water Action Michigan Director Cyndi Roper said.
“The federal government has declared coal pollutants a threat to human health. Every other state is investing in clean energy, creating jobs and turning away from coal. Michigan, on the other hand, is looking to the past and this decision threatens to keep us in the energy Dark Ages."
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