Massive Coal Plant in Eastern Nevada Facing Opposition
Environmental groups are urging the Department of the Interior’s Board of Land Appeals to reject a massive coal fired power plant in eastern Nevada, near the city of Ely. Opponents argue that the White Pine plant, owned by LS Power Group, would be one of the largest and heavily polluting coal plants in the western United States.
The plant would release an estimated 12.88 million tons of CO2 each year, as well as other harmful pollutants, including mercury, sulfur dioxide, and fine soot. Local air quality and visibility in nearby Great Basin National Park would likely be degraded.
“Selling off pristine public lands so that private corporations can build dirty coal plants, like the one just approved by the [Bureau of Land Management] in Nevada, is the exact opposite of what this country needs to be doing to demonstrate leadership on climate issues,” said environmental attorney George Torgun.
While Mr. Torgun, along with the rest of the plant’s opponents are correct, rejecting coal plants must be in conjunction with a massive investment of resources in renewable energy and increasing efficiency standards. Noting this fact, John Barth, an attorney for the opposition noted, “Instead of allowing a huge new dirty coal plant, LS Power and BLM should take the lead from other companies and public agencies that are working to meet electricity demand through energy efficiency and renewables.”
The White Pine Energy Station is one of three coal plants that have been recently proposed on BLM lands in eastern Nevada. The other two facilities – the 1,500 megawatt Ely Energy Center and the 750 megawatt Toquop Energy Project – are seeking approvals to begin construction.
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