Coal power not economical, environmental groups say (AR)

[jpak]

http://www.arkansasnews.com/archive/2007/11/02/News/343939.html

LITTLE ROCK - A new report commissioned by the Sierra Club shows that investing in energy efficiency and renewable resources would provide greater economic benefits to Arkansas than a proposed coal-fired plant in Hempstead County, the environmental group said Thursday.

The report by ECONorthwest, released Thursday, analyzes the economic benefits and risks of coal power in comparison to alternatives such as solar power, wind power and energy conservation.

Representatives of the Sierra Club and several other environmental groups discussed the report in a news conference outside the Little Rock headquarters of the state Public Service Commission. The commission is considering whether to permit Southwestern Electric Power Co. to build a coal-fired plant near Fulton.

"This report really underscores two important facts," said Glen Hooks, spokesman for the Sierra Club of Arkansas. "Dirty coal-fired power plants impose significant negative economic consequences on their communities, and Arkansas can generate more good, long-term jobs by focusing on clean, renewable energy than by relying on dirty coal."

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