Solis93 (![[info]](http://l-stat.livejournal.com/img/userinfo.gif){kind=small} solis93) wrote,@ 2009-10-01 19:28:00 |
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More money for dirty coal? Not in Oregon. Oregon peeps, please read.
The plan
PGE wants to invest $600 million in pollution-control equipment at the aging Boardman coal plant in northeast Oregon to sustain use until 2040. PGE is also considering building two additional natural gas power plants.
The impact
The Boardman coal plant spews a total of 5 million tons of carbon dioxide, mercury, sulfur dioxide and nitrogen dioxide into the atmosphere every year. Studies have pinpointed it as one of the prime causes of pollution in the Columbia Gorge. Building additional power plants reduces the incentive for conservation and efficiency and encourages more consumption.
What you can do
PGE is taking public comments through October 5th on the proposed plan. Let them know what you think -- and feel free to use any of the key points listed below to help make your case.
Key points
* The proposed pollution controls at Boardman would not address the plant’s huge carbon dioxide emissions, which means it might fail to meet expected tougher federal guidelines and risk a substantial investment of ratepayer money. That money could be spent on cleaner energy. Phasing out this coal plant would have the effect of removing nearly 900,000 cars from Oregon’s roads. Right now, PGE’s proposal would nullify steps Oregon is taking to curb pollution and global warming.
* Though PGE’s plan calls for increased conservation and wind power, we need more. The potential for conservation through weatherproofing homes, more energy-efficient washing machines and refrigerators, and improving lighting in homes and businesses is immense. According to The Oregon Power and Conservation Council, such conservation efforts in Oregon, Washington and Idaho could avoid millions of tons of greenhouse gas emissions and eliminate 85 percent of the expected increase in electricity demand by 2029. That’s the equivalent of 20 new power plants.
* The great majority of ratepayers want to do the right thing - pay a little more so we can all pollute less. The public gets that the decisions we make today will have tremendous impact on our children and grandchildren. We have to act now to stem pollution that threatens our air and water, and puts the entire planet in jeopardy through global warming. Make sure PGE gets it too!
Onward,
The Team at Onward Oregon
www.OnwardOregon.org
The plan
PGE wants to invest $600 million in pollution-control equipment at the aging Boardman coal plant in northeast Oregon to sustain use until 2040. PGE is also considering building two additional natural gas power plants.
The impact
The Boardman coal plant spews a total of 5 million tons of carbon dioxide, mercury, sulfur dioxide and nitrogen dioxide into the atmosphere every year. Studies have pinpointed it as one of the prime causes of pollution in the Columbia Gorge. Building additional power plants reduces the incentive for conservation and efficiency and encourages more consumption.
What you can do
PGE is taking public comments through October 5th on the proposed plan. Let them know what you think -- and feel free to use any of the key points listed below to help make your case.
Key points
* The proposed pollution controls at Boardman would not address the plant’s huge carbon dioxide emissions, which means it might fail to meet expected tougher federal guidelines and risk a substantial investment of ratepayer money. That money could be spent on cleaner energy. Phasing out this coal plant would have the effect of removing nearly 900,000 cars from Oregon’s roads. Right now, PGE’s proposal would nullify steps Oregon is taking to curb pollution and global warming.
* Though PGE’s plan calls for increased conservation and wind power, we need more. The potential for conservation through weatherproofing homes, more energy-efficient washing machines and refrigerators, and improving lighting in homes and businesses is immense. According to The Oregon Power and Conservation Council, such conservation efforts in Oregon, Washington and Idaho could avoid millions of tons of greenhouse gas emissions and eliminate 85 percent of the expected increase in electricity demand by 2029. That’s the equivalent of 20 new power plants.
* The great majority of ratepayers want to do the right thing - pay a little more so we can all pollute less. The public gets that the decisions we make today will have tremendous impact on our children and grandchildren. We have to act now to stem pollution that threatens our air and water, and puts the entire planet in jeopardy through global warming. Make sure PGE gets it too!
Onward,
The Team at Onward Oregon
www.OnwardOregon.org
