NO NEED FOR NEW COAL

Study casts doubt on need for coal-fired generator
Kathleen Gray. September 8, 2009 (Detroit Free Press)

"Because of energy efficiency initiatives and the increased use of renewable energy sources to create power, Consumers Energy won’t need a new coal plant until at least 2022…

"The [Michigan Public Service Commission staff] report to the Michigan Department of Environmental Quality deals a blow to Consumers’ plans to build an 830-megawatt coal-fired plant near Bay City. The Michigan DEQ has the job of deciding whether to grant an air quality permit to Consumers to build the plant…"

Coal use is down, natural gas use is down and nuclear is down. Only New Energy is up. With efficiency increasing, there is no need for new greenhouse gas emissions. (click to enlarge)

"Environmentalists, who have been steadfastly opposed to the Bay City plant, hailed the report…

"Consumers had hoped to build the $2-billion plant and have it in production by 2017. The DEQ is expected to make a decision on the air quality permit by the end of this year."