Florida Utility Abandons Plans for Coal Plant Over Global Warming Concerns

TAMPA, FL (July 3, 2007) -- Citing concerns about global warming, the Taylor Energy Center (TEC) today effectively abandoned plans to build on their proposal to build a large new coal plant in Perry, Florida. The move is a win for Florida ratepayers, and marks a mounting shift in the electricity industry toward cleaner, more efficient investment strategies to meet the business challenge of global warming, according to the Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC).

 

“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, NRDC’s Climate Center director. “There are a lot of bright ideas out there for providing electricity and reducing pollution. Florida power firms have many options to choose from that will cut emissions and ultimately lower costs for their customers.”

 

 “Florida is on the very front lines when it comes to global warming, so it makes sense for us to be setting the pace when it comes to solutions,” said Susan Glickman, who heads up NRDC’s work in Florida. “Cleaner more efficient solutions can provide cleaner, affordable power for homes and businesses throughout the state, and deliver the energy we need much faster than outdated alternatives.”

 

Glickman also noted that Gov. Charlie Christ is planning an Climate Change Summit later this month aiming to foster better energy strategies throughout Florida.

 

“This issue is fast becoming the driving force behind energy planning in this state,” she said.