State Should Wait on Cliffside Permit

Today, Richard Moore issued a statement saying that state regulators with the Division of Air Quality should wait to issue a permit for the new coal-fired power plant at Cliffside.

“North Carolina should focus on new, efficient energy choices and conservation rather than building more high polluting, coal fired power plants,” Moore said.  “This type of plant should be a last resort, not a first option.” 

Moore is concerned that the new coal-fired power plant at Cliffside poses potential risks to air quality in the western part of North Carolina as well as new CO2 emissions that can contribute to global warming.  The National Park Service and the Environmental Protection Agency have recommended that the Department of Environment and Natural Resources delay issuance of the air permit required to build the plant, citing concerns about air quality in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park and an ongoing federal lawsuit against Duke Energy that could significantly change emissions calculations at Cliffside. 

“We must be smart about protecting our natural treasures,” said Moore.  “North Carolina has the ability to create a win-win by employing clean options like wind, solar and biomass to create energy, while developing new jobs around these industries.”