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DEP hosting sessions on Clean Power Plan

2 min read

The Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection is hosting at least 14 listening sessions and opening a two-month comment period on the federal Clean Power Plan, which is aimed at reducing greenhouse gases produced from coal-fired power plants.

The nearest sessions will be held in the fourth floor of Roberts Hall at Carnegie Mellon University in Pittsburgh at 6 p.m. Sept. 21 and at Waynesburg Central High School at 6 p.m. Sept. 22. Participants wishing to speak must register by calling 717-783-8727.

“We want to hear from the people of Pennsylvania and all stakeholders as we prepare a Pennsylvania-centric plan to comply with the Clean Power Plan,” said DEP Secretary John Quigley.

“We strongly believe we can reduce carbon emissions statewide and address climate change in fair and smart ways that take into account legitimate concerns of all parties,” Quigley said.

A dozen states sued the federal Environmental Protection Agency over the new plan, with Ohio and West Virginia the closest states acting as plaintiffs in the case. The states argued power plant emissions are regulated under a different part of the Clean Air Act, and the new regulations are illegal.

One of the organizations preparing testimony for the Greene County listening session is the United Mine Workers of America.

“We have to encourage the state to make sure as it develops its plan that there’s a role for coal-fired power generation in the future. The fact of the matter is you can’t replace coal right now with any other renewable or alternative energy besides nuclear that is fast enough to meet the objectives the Clean Power Plan wants to achieve,” spokesman Phil Smith said.

A spokeswoman for the Center For Coalfield Justice said the organization is excited DEP is providing so many opportunities for the public to provide feedback.

“And we believe the results will reflect the recent public polling that shows people support taking action on climate change. We are excited about the Clean Power Plan funding opportunities to help coalfield communities transition and diversify their economies away from fossil fuels,” said Veronica Coptis, a Greene County native.

Those who can’t attend the sessions can submit comments at http://www.ahs.dep.pa.gov/eComment/.

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