The N&R weighs in on Duke energy’s Cliffside plant:
With the state granting a final air permit Tuesday to Duke Energy, the company can now begin building the new Cliffside coal-fired power unit 50 miles west of Charlotte.
Environmental groups are continuing to oppose the plant, hoping to delay or stop its construction through court challenges. A better approach, though, may be for opponents to direct their energies toward the future, specifically toward the development of a strong state energy policy, one that is based on conservation and greater use of alternative energy sources.
It’s easy to criticize the state for its decision on Cliffside. In particular, the state didn’t seem to fully address the U.S. Park Service’s concerns about the plant. The Park Service had opposed Cliffside, citing numerous adverse effects on the Great Smoky Mountains National Park.
Still, the state did drive a harder bargain than it seemed like it would initially. Let’s not forget that Duke first wanted to build two plants, but the state allowed only one. In addition, Duke must close several less-efficient power plants and offset the new plant’s carbon emissions, which would contribute to global warming. Stringent regulations adopted by the state in 2006 also should help limit one of the plant’s more hazardous byproducts: mercury.
Interesting that Duke Energy also weighs in, with a full-page ad on the back of the sports section. Duke CEO Jim Rogers writes:
Duke Energy has committed to take actions to make this new unit carbon neutral by 2018. Our company is concerned about global warming and the role greenhiuse gases play. At Duke Energy, we are taking actions to help stop global warming.
