Cliffside Power Plant: Fighting Outdated Technology

SELC is fighting Duke Energy Carolina’s plans to build an outdated 800-megawatt coal-fired power plant unit that will operate for 40 years or more at its Cliffside power plant near Shelby, creating a toxic legacy for our children and grandchildren.

Duke Energy’s proposal is part of a region-wide wave of proposals by electric utilities for more coal-fired power plants to meet projected demand increases.

North Carolina gave the green light to the project, approving an air permit in January 2008. Skirting Clean Air Act requirements, the permit allows Duke Energy to use outdated, inefficient coal-burning technology that releases more mercury and hazardous emissions over the 50-year lifespan of the unit than if newer, efficient technology was used to safeguard public health for citizens and their children. The emissions contribute to global warming, ozone, smog, soot and toxic pollution. SELC and NRDC, representing four other environmental groups, filed suit against the state.

In a December 2008 victory for public health, the court found Duke Energy in violation of the law and ordered its compliance with regulations for mercury and other toxic emissions. The decision has national implications because it closes a perceived loophole that power plants around the country exploited to avoid federal pollution controls. 

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.