Emily Bosch emily.bosch@sierraclub.org
Atlanta, GA -- Southern Company, the nation’s third largest utility, has announced plans to close most of its coal burning units at Plant Scherer, Plant Bowen, and Plant Wansley in Georgia, in addition to its coal units at Plant Gaston and Plant Barry in Alabama. The utility announced during its quarterly earnings report on Thursday that the closures will occur by 2028.
David Rogers, Southeast Deputy Regional Director for the Beyond Coal Campaign, released the following statement:
“After years of pressure from grassroots organizations, clean energy advocates, and concerned community members, Southern Company has finally decided to take a step in the right direction and close down some of the dirtiest power plants in its fleet. Southern Company deserves credit for making this decision, but there is still work to be done.The company plans to keep operating a number of coal units, including Plant Miller, the biggest carbon polluter in the country.
“Southern Company must prioritize supporting coal plant communities during this transition, including plant workers. We need to make sure communities are given the resources to thrive through this transition, rather than be left behind. Additionally, legacy pollution from these coal plants, like coal ash, must be cleaned up properly to protect the health of communities nearby.
“We’ll continue to advocate for Georgians, Alabamians, and their wallets. Southern Company must make good on its net-zero carbon commitment by transitioning swiftly to renewables like solar, wind, and battery storage, rather than doubling-down on fossil fuels like fracked gas.”
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The Sierra Club is America’s largest and most influential grassroots environmental organization, with millions of members and supporters. In addition to protecting every person's right to get outdoors and access the healing power of nature, the Sierra Club works to promote clean energy, safeguard the health of our communities, protect wildlife, and preserve our remaining wild places through grassroots activism, public education, lobbying, and legal action. For more information, visit www.sierraclub.org.