First in line for shut-down: the aging Clinch River power plant. Photo credit: ILoveMountains.org.
Six coal-fired power plants in Virginia accounting for 35% of the state’s coal-generated electricity could be forced to shut down prematurely by new and proposed Environmental Protection Agency regulations, according to a report, “Economy Derailed,” published recently by the American Legislative Exchange Council (ALEC).
In a state-by-state breakdown, the ALEC report stated that Virginians could see electricity rates rise by 10% to 15% and lose nearly 11,500 jobs (direct and indirect) accounting for $6.1 million in wages. The Old Dominion would suffer less from the regulations than many other states, however. It did not rank among the 10 states determined to be “worst hit.”
The EPA justifies the regulations on the grounds that they will reduce emissions of mercury, carbon-dioxide, sulfur dioxide, particulates and other pollutants. ALEC, which promotes conservative causes, contends that the cost far outweighs the benefits. Who should we believe? I don’t know. Regardless, even under the best case scenario, there will be short-term pain for long-term gain.
— JAB
