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Sierra Club Applauds Oklahoma's Northeastern Coal Plant Retirement Announcement
Case Updates:
April 24, 2012
On April 24, Sierra Club joined Governor Fallin, Attorney General Scott Pruitt, US EPA, and American Electric Power subsidiary Public Service Co. of Oklahoma (AEP-PSO), in announcing the retirement of its coal-fired power plant near Oologah, Oklahoma.
The agreement sets firm dates for retiring both units at AEP-PSO’s Northeastern coal-fired power plant. The plant’s retirement is a major victory for public health in Oklahoma, as reducing the number of coal-fired power plants will both reduce harmful emissions and will pave the way for clean energy.
Currently, Oklahoma has six coal-fired power plants that collectively emit significant amounts of soot, smog, and mercury pollution. Coalplants are a major contributor of ozone-forming pollution, and 2011 air quality data shows that Tulsa and Oklahoma City exceeded federal limits on ozone pollution, threatening Oklahoma’s most vulnerable citizens, such as children, the elderly, and people who work or exercise outdoors. Ozone pollution is worsened during periods of high temperatures, meaning the summer of 2012 may be one of the worst ozone seasons in Oklahoma history.
Oklahoma has significant clean energy potential, which could power the state while protecting public health. Oklahoma’s wind resources rank ninth in the United States, with more than 50,000 megawatts of wind power potential. Wind power in Oklahoma supports thousands of jobs, and according to the National Renewable Energy Laboratory, wind can provide more than 31 times as much electricity as Oklahoma currently uses. States, such as Alabama, are already purchasing Oklahoma wind power.
Details and Documents:
Sierra Club Applauds Northeastern Coal Plant Retirement Announcement
April 24, 2012, Sierra Club Press Release
News Articles:
Two coal plants to be retired
April 25, 2012 by DE Smoot, Muskogee Pheonix
AEP to reduce emissions at Oklahoma coal plant
April 24, 2012, Reuters
More Info:
See other "Retiring Old Coal" cases.