Action Against TXU Coal Power Plan In TX Legislature Faces Gov. Goodhair Veto - DMN

[hatrack]

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No issue, however, is likely to dominate the session's environmental debates more than coal. Pending permit applications for 16 new plants that would burn coal using conventional technology have stirred opposition from nearly two dozen cities, including Dallas and Houston, as well as lawsuits in state and federal courts. The companies say their plants would be among the nation's cleanest, but critics say they're still needlessly dirty. Environmentalists also complain that the state's permit rules reward companies for choosing coal, the cheapest but most polluting fuel for making power.

Unhappiness with the Texas permit system has forged unusual alliances of conservative Republicans and liberal Democrats in the House. One result could be a bipartisan attempt to declare a temporary halt to pending coal plant permits until the state toughens its rules, although many of the permits could be granted before a moratorium bill could pass late in the session.

A moratorium bill would almost certainly face a veto by Gov. Rick Perry. A resolution expressing legislative displeasure with the state's approach to air permits rules, while nonbinding, wouldn't be subject to a veto.

Bills being prepared would order some of the rule changes that critics want, including a mandatory consideration of cleaner coal combustion methods. A bill already filed would slap a tax on Texas coal and use the proceeds to fund energy-saving technology. Even some conservative stalwarts such as Rep. Jerry Madden, R-Plano, say they're worried that Texas is rushing ahead with new coal plant permits without knowing the possible consequences for public health. He was among 25 House members from both parties who signed a letter in November asking the state's environmental agency to delay the permits.

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http://www.dallasnews.com/sharedcontent/dws/news/texassouthwest/legislature/stories/011607dntswcoal.367db89.html

[Maestro]

1. Gee and why would Gov. Goodhair veto this?

He needs to pay back big corps like TXU for funding his stay in the mansion. This disgusts me to no end. When will this asshats figure out that is the time to step up and fund more environmentally conscience technology?