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As powerful energy interests like Tristate Transmission and Generation, Inc. work to increase coal plants serving Colorado, Environment Colorado has been working to raise public awareness of the environmental damage from our over-reliance on coal power.
In July, Environment Colorado’s Research and Policy Center issued a report, “Making Sense of the ‘Coal Rush,’ the Consequences of Expanding America’s Dependence on Coal.”
The report highlighted the huge increase in plans to build coal-fired power plants across the country. Over 150 coal-fired power plants are currently in various stages of planning. If built, the plants would increase U.S. global warming pollution by 10 percent and lock in decades of excess emissions.
Xcel Energy has already started construction of a new coal-fired power plant in Pueblo. That plant, plus three other plants planned by Tri-State Generation and Power, will provide approximately 2,550 MW of power. When completed, these plants will increase carbon dioxide emissions by over 39 percent when compared to what Colorado coal-fired plants emitted in 2003.
Environment Colorado calls for several steps to stem the “coal rush.” First, our leaders should join other states, including Idaho, in establishing a moratorium on new coal plants being built to provide power to Colorado—in order to evaluate the environmental and economic impacts. Second, our leaders should establish a cap on carbon dioxide pollution, to be lowered over time; third, public money should not be spent on coal technology; and finally, our leaders should dramatically expand programs to develop energy efficiency and renewable energy resources.
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