Florida Utility Puts Planned Coal-Fired Power Plant on Hold
PERRY, Florida, July 6, 2007 (ENS) - Climate concerns have put a damper on Taylor Energy Center's plans to build a large new coal-fired power plant in Perry, Florida. The plant would be located in the northwestern part of the state, about 40 miles south of the capital, Tallahassee.
On Wednesday, the company said it will suspend permitting activities and participate in a state dialogue on Florida's energy future.
Project Manager Mike Lawson said, 'Our mission is to provide reliable power at an affordable price in an environmentally responsible manner. We believe the state-of-the-art technology we proposed would satisfy those objectives; however, growing concerns about climate change have raised questions that must be addressed thoughtfully.'
'Rather than push forward, it's more important that we work with state leaders to craft an energy plan for Florida,' Lawson said.
Florida Governor Charlie Crist is hosting a two day global climate change summit that opens June 12 in Miami.
'At Florida's climate change summit, we will begin working on a plan to explore groundbreaking technologies and strategies that will place our state at the forefront of the growing world-wide movement to reduce greenhouse gases,' Governor Crist said.
'I believe global climate change is one of the most important issues that we will face this century,' the Florida governor said. 'With almost 1,200 miles of coastline and the majority of our citizens living near that coastline, Florida is more vulnerable to rising ocean levels and violent weather patterns than any other state.'
Keynote speaker at the summit will be California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger, who has implemented a low-carbon fuels policy and greenhouse gas emission caps in his state.
'The power industry is waking up to the fact that old fashioned coal plants simply don't make sense today. Not from an environmental standpoint, and not from a business standpoint,' said David Hawkins, director of the Natural Resources Defense Council's Climate Center.
'There are a lot of bright ideas out there for providing electricity and reducing pollution,' he said. 'Florida power firms have many options to choose from that will cut emissions and ultimately lower costs for their customers.'
Lawson emphasized that Florida is a growing state with a growing need for electricity. 'We can all agree that those needs must be met with a power source that is reliable, affordable and environmentally responsible,' he said.
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