Under the Arkansas law, Southwestern Electric Power Company has the right to recover capital costs from the ratepayers if the investment was made in a “prudent,” or non-risky, manner. The Arkansas Court of Appeals’ unanimous rejection of its construction permit, several lawsuits filed by the National Audubon Society and the Sierra Club, combined with this new opposition, make SWEPCO’s decision to continue to construct very risky to me.
See below for the press release from the American Lung Association.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
American Lung Association Concerned about Pollutants from New Coal Plant
The American Lung Association Announces Opposition to Turk Power Plant
(Little Rock) September 23, 2009— A new coal fired power plant proposed in Arkansas’Hempstead County has American Lung Association health experts worried. The plant would add pollutants to our air that would have a significantly negative impact on lung health for everyone in Arkansas and neighboring states.
“The American Lung Association’s mission is to save lives by improving lung health and preventing lung disease,” said Sara Dreiling, Chief Executive Officer of the American Lung Association of the Central States. “The proposed power plant is a danger to the lung health of the citizens of Arkansas.”
The American Lung Association has been fighting for clean air issues for more than 40 years. The health impacts of particulate matter, one of the main pollutants from coal fired power plants, are widespread and include death from respiratory and cardiovascular causes, inflammation of lung tissue in young, healthy adults, increased emergency room visits for patients suffering from acute respiratory ailments, increased severity of asthma attacks in children and increased hospitalization for asthma among children, plus various serious cardiovascular impacts.
“It is imperative that the health of our citizens is put first and foremost in the decision making process about a new power plant for Arkansas,” continued Dreiling. “We are committed to being
an integral part of the regional process to decide about new sources of power for the region.”
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About the American Lung Association: Now in our second century, the American Lung Association is the leading organization working to prevent lung disease and promote lung health. Lung disease death rates are currently increasing while other leading causes of death are declining. With your generous support, the American Lung Association is “Fighting for Air” through research, education and advocacy. For more information about the American Lung Association, a Charity Navigator Four Star Charity and holder of the Better Business Bureau Wise Giving Guide Seal, or to support the work it does, call 1-800-LUNG-USA (1-800-586-4872) or visit www.lungusa.org.
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