Coal-fired Power Plant Construction Blocked on Global Warming Concerns

Global warming concerns helped persuade the state Public Service Commission (PSC) to reject a plan by Florida’s largest utility (Florida Power & Light) to build a $5.7-billion coal-fired power plant near the Everglades National Park. 

The denial marks the first time global warming has ever played a role in a PSC decision, and the first time in 15 years the state regulatory agency that oversee utilities has rejected a new power plant. 

What persuaded the Public Service Commission to vote 4-0 against Florida Power & Light was the potential cost to the utility's customers -- including the cost of cutting greenhouse gas emissions.

Environmental activists said the PSC's decision could affect more than just the power plant near the Everglades.   An 800-megawatt power plant in rural Taylor County is slated for PSC consideration later this year, and 4 more have been proposed elsewhere.

Hat tip to the St. Petersburg Times.

by
Erin Swanson
Eswanson@enviance.com