Brought to you by WBIW News and Network Indiana
Last updated on Friday, February 12, 2016
(SULLIVAN) - The Associated Press reported Tuesday the Supreme Court approved a stay of the plan with a 5-4 vote. The Clean Power Plan has a goal of reducing power plant emissions from power plants by 32 percent by 2030 in comparison to the levels in 2005.
This cut in power plant emissions would include the use of natural gas rather than coal-powered energy. This reduction in the use of coal-powered energy would cause a hard hit to coal mines throughout the United States.
The AP reported a lawsuit set forth by 29 states and the coal industry stemmed the request, which puts the plan on hold until 2017.
Peabody Energy, who runs Bear Run Coal Company in neighboring Sullivan County, says they applaud the Supreme Court for the decision.
"This is a victory for American families and businesses who value reliability and diversity of energy sources. The court's action counters implementation of onerous rules that would raise U.S. power costs and damage reliability of the electric grid with no significant benefit. Peabody had joined with other industry participants and attorneys general from dozens of states to contest the legality of the proposed regulations, and it is satisfying that the rule of law prevailed in this motion," says Beth Sutton told the Greene County Daily World on behalf of Peabody Energy.
Sutton says Peabody Energy believes there are other ways to reduce energy emissions without cutting the use of coal-powered energy plants.
"Peabody believes that technology is the best path toward reducing greenhouse gas emissions over time. We look forward to continuing to work with industry, government and NGO participants on a technology path to achieve our energy, economic and environmental goals," Sutton says.
Specifically, Peabody Energy would like to see low-cost electricity, improvement of efficiency within existing power plants, implementing high-efficiency low emissions plants to reduce carbon dioxide levels and investments in next-generation coal technologies -- including carbon capture, use and storage.
On the other hand, the Office of the Press Secretary issued a statement Wednesday expressing disdain in the Supreme Court's decision.
"The Clean Power Plan is based on a strong legal and technical foundation, gives States the time and flexibility they need to develop tailored, cost-effective plans to reduce their emissions, and will deliver better air quality, improved public health, clean energy investment and jobs across the country, and major progress in our efforts to confront the risks posed by climate change," the statement says.
Furthermore, the statement notes the Office of the Press Secretary believes they will be able to move forward with the project.
"Even while the litigation proceeds, EPA has indicated it will work with states that choose to continue plan development and will prepare the tools those states will need. At the same time, the Administration will continue to take aggressive steps to make forward progress to reduce carbon emissions," it says.
1340 AM WBIW welcomes comments and suggestions by calling 812.277.1340 during normal business hours or by email at comments@wbiw.com
© Ad-Venture Media, Inc. All Rights Reserved.