At least 16 coal-fired power plant proposals nationwide have been scrapped in recent months and more than three dozen have been delayed as utilities face increasing pressure due to concerns over global warming and rising construction costs.
The slow pace of plant construction reflects a dramatic change in fortune for a fuel source that just a few years ago was poised for a major resurgence. Combined, the canceled and delayed projects represent enough electricity to power approximately 20 million homes.
Costs and concerns for the environment are slowing coal development. Last thing our community needs - or should want - is large conglomerate-owned fossil-fuel-burning plants.
Of course, increasing energy demands haven't slowed, so the pressure still exists. Now's the the time to start talking about cheaper, sustainable sources of energy that are locally owned. The technology is there, why aren't we using it?
