Why TXU's Coal Plant Proposal Sucks, What You MUST Do to Stop It

Thursday night, at a meeting of the Oil Patch Democrats we were treated to a presentation by Tom "Smitty" Smith, State Director of the Texas Office of Public Citizen. It should be noted that TXU was invited to take part in the discussion. And actually feigned interest. They threw up roadblocks by insisting on a format favorable to them and when OPD and Smitty called their bluff and agreed, they didn't have the stones to show up.

I knew going in that letting TXU add 19 traditional coal plants is a bad idea, that there are better alternatives and that TXU’s proposal must be stopped. I came away knowing why and how.

Why TXU's Traditional Coal Plant Proposal Sucks

• Deaths and disease from dirty power. An estimated additional 240 people would die prematurely each year in Texas if the 19 proposed coal plants are built.
• Smog. By fast traking TXU's plan. Governor Perry is trying to get these plants permitted before the state's clean air plan will be complete in June.
• Mercury. The proposed coal plans would add 4400 metric tons of mercury into the air.
• Global climate change. The proposed plans would emit 120 million tons of CO2 annually.
• Inadequate rail capacity and increased emissions from trains. The coal would have to be shipped in from Wyoming.
• If you think these plants would reduce your electric bill, you are sadly mistaken. Electricity prices would still be calculated on the cost of producing electricity with gas. So TXU gets to pocket the difference.
• Wastes water. Millions of gallons of water that is becoming increasingly scarce must be used for these plants.
• Increases TXU's monopoly.
• The cost of offsets. If Congress passes federal legislation requiring offsets for CO2 emissions, these plants will be a lot more costly.
• There are better, cheaper, cleaner alternatives available.
• TXU plans to use outdated technology which will not conform to upcoming emission statndards.

Alternatives

• Efficiency - Stronger building codes, efficient lighting, retrofit programs and tightening leaks in existing systems could reduce the project growth in demand by 80%.
• Renewable energy - Solar and wind power can greatly reduce the need for traditional energy plants.
• Coal Gasification - It's a proven technology that produces 60 - 90% fewer emissions and allows for recapture of CO2 to be used for enhanced oil recovery underground.

Take Action This Week!

Call and email your state representative:

• Voice your opposition to TXU's 19 proposed coal plants. Hearings begin Wednesday, February 21
• Support HCR 43 - Putting a moratorium on coal plants, enabling us to find and propose alternatives, complete our air quality plans and learn the outcome of pending litigation.
• Sign the petition at DirtyMoney.org
• Participate in the February 21 Day of Action
• Get a copy of Killowatt Ours.and learn how you can make your own electricity use more efficient.
• Call Senator Kerry's office at 202-224-2742 and urge him to make good on his promise to fight TXU's proposal. (This Week with George Stephanopolis 2/11/07)

More Information

• Public Citizen
• Texas League of Conservation Voters
• DirtyMoney.org
• Sierra Club - Lone Star Chapter
• ClearTheAir.org