Fighting Coventional Power Plant at Cliffside

SELC is fighting Duke Energy Carolina’s plans to build a new 800-megawatt coal-fired power plant unit at its Cliffside power plant near Shelby.

Duke Energy’s proposal is a part of a region-wide wave of proposals by electric utilities for new coal-fired power plants to meet projected demand increases. However, the 800-megawatt conventional coal unit proposed for Cliffside would rely on outdated technology that will operate for 40 years or more, requiring our children and grandchildren to pay the price.

Unfortunately, North Carolina has given the green light to the project, approving an air permit in January 2008. The permit allows Duke Energy to use conventional coal-burning technology, locking in a commitment to use outdated, dirty coal technology over the 50-year lifespan of the unit, as well as contributing to global warming, ozone, smog, soot and mercury pollution. SELC, representing four other environmental groups, has filed suit against the state. 

New technologies, renewable energy sources, energy conservation and efficiency measures can meet energy needs while lessening air quality impacts. In fact, Duke Energy CEO Jim Rogers has publicly acknowledged that the time has come to embrace alternative energy sources - such as coal gasification and energy efficiency - if we are to reduce the greenhouse gas emissions that contribute to global warming. Such an approach would mean cleaner air and improved public health for North Carolina.

SELC will continue the fight against dirty coal at new power plants in North Carolina. The result will be cleaner air and improved public health.