May 7: Report: Uncertainties surround proposed
AMP-Ohio coal plant
CLEVELAND -- "American Municipal Power –Ohio (AMP-Ohio) has proposed to build a new, 1,000 megawatt pulverized coal plant in Meigs County, Ohio. AMP-Ohio actively pressed its member communities in Ohio, Michigan, Virginia, W. Virginia, Kentucky and Pennsylvania to pass ordinances allowing them to enter into 50-year take-or-pay contracts for the plant by March 1, 2008. In the face of public opposition, AMP-Ohio representatives insisted at City Council hearings that the project was solid, and that AMP-Ohio had already received sufficient commitments from its member communities to move forward," Sandy Buchanan, Executive Director, Ohio Citizen Action.
May 7: Reynolds, Stroud, Turner win
Newcomers unseat council incumbent
MARTINSVILLE, VA
-- "Current Vice Mayor James Clark attributed his defeat mainly to the public’s displeasure with decisions made by the council during his term to pursue purchasing the local Adelphia cable television franchises — an effort that failed and cost the city roughly $700,000 — and enter into long-term contracts with American Municipal Power-Ohio for the purchase of wholesale electricity. He voted against the latter. But 'I knew it would be an uphill battle (to get re-elected) due to the stigma the council has had for the last ... year and a half' in the public’s eye, he said," Mickey Powell, Martinsville Bulletin.
Apr 23:
Cleveland Public Power's bright idea
The controversial coal-plant deal is part of an ambitious (and decades-late) expansion plan
American Municipal Power employees negotiate at the Cleveland City Council subcommittee on Cleveland Public Power February 22, 2008. Photo by Jeff Buster.
CLEVELAND -- "If CPP was to survive bitter competition with First Energy and be a progressive utility, everything needed to change. As CPP's Commissioner Ivan Henderson told the Public Utilities Committee, which Zone chairs, in February: 'To be clear, the battle we're in is the battle for CPP's survival.' The coal plant was the immediate answer, Henderson explained at the time. It would provide the cheap, stable rates that would allow CPP first to subsist, then to create the foundation for long-term, tide-shifting change. City Council voted 19-2 to approve the coal plant... An analysis commissioned by Ohio Citizen Action, an environmental activist group, concluded that this committee's authority was limited and may turn out to be 'neither meaningful nor enforceable,'" Charu Gupta, Cleveland Free Times.
Apr 21: Candidates Q&A:
Lower power rates needed
MARTINSVILLE -- "Martinsville City Council candidates say the city should look for ways to reduce electricity rates, whether it is through studying available options or considering new energy sources when possible.
In an attempt to lower electric rates, Martinsville City Council voted Feb. 26 to enter into 40-year contracts to buy wholesale power generated by three American Municipal Power-Ohio power plant projects — two in Ohio and one in Illinois... The Martinsville Bulletin asked candidates for city council in the May 6 election, 'How should the city handle its future needs for wholesale electricity? Should the electric department be sold and, if so, under what conditions?,'" Mickey Powell, Martinsville Bulletin. Published April 20.
Apr 14: Utilities amassing landfills
Tougher air standards send tons of plants' sludge, coal ash into ground
 American Electric Power's Conesville plant |
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Mar 31: Mountain Justice takes on King Coal in Columbus
COLUMBUS-- "On Friday afternoon, student activists with Ohio Student Environmental Coalition and members of Mountain Justice occupied the lobby of American Municipal Power and forced an impromptu meeting with CEO Mark Gerken – who was not a happy camper. AMP is planning to build a 1000 MW pulverized coal power plant in Meigs County, Ohio – one of the most impoverished counties in the state, with some of the highest lung cancer and premature death rates due industrial pollution in the country. There are already 4 coal power plants within 10 miles of Meigs and the coal barons of the Midwest are planning on building five more – the largest and dirtiest being the AMP project," Ananda, The Understory, blog of Rainforest Action Network. Published March 29.
BATTLE CREEK, MI -- Guaranteed electric power, Justin Hinkley, Battle Creek Enquirer.
MORE ON AMP OHIO
Mar 20: Banks hope to expand carbon rules to public utilities
NEW YORK, NY -- "Lenders also fear that expensive plants built without explicit disclosure of carbon risks could become white elephants, like nuclear plants a generation ago. If their costs became too great, regulators might expect utility shareholders or bondholders to absorb part of the expense in order to insulate customers from rate shocks... In a letter to AMP-Ohio three days after the guidelines were announced, J.P. Morgan justified the exclusion of public utilities by noting that 'forward-thinking utilities like AMP-Ohio' already do their own risk evaluations. Mr. Carson said that when the utility was considering the Prairie State deal, it factored in a potential cost of $5 to $15 per ton of emissions for carbon allowances and the deal still appeared economical," Rebecca Smith, Wall Street Journal. Subscription required. KANSAS CITY, MO -- Cost of coal power is rising, Steve Everly and Karen Dillon, Kansas City Star.
Mar 19: Locals should question AMP-Ohio plan
WARREN -- "Niles, Hubbard and Newton Falls are considering buying into American Municipal Power-Ohio’s proposed new 1,000 megawatt pulverized coal plant in Meigs County... However, the Trumbull County communities should examine this proposal thoroughly because it comes with risks. According to Ohio Citizen Action, a consumer watchdog group, the cost of electricity from AMP-Ohio’s proposed new plant could be as much as 40 percent to 50 percent higher than what AMP-Ohio has told officials Niles, Hubbard and Newton Falls. Ohio Citizen Action bases this projection on a report produced by Scott Balice Strategies, a financial advisory firm in Chicago," Editorial, Warren Tribune Chronicle. Published on March 10.
Mar 11: Environmental groups and parks association appeal permit for AMP-Ohio coal plant
COLUMBUS -- "Four organizations -- the Natural Resources Defense Council, Sierra Club, Ohio Environmental Council, and National Parks Conservation Association -- have appealed the air pollution permit Ohio EPA granted to AMP-Ohio for its proposed new Meigs County coal plant. The appeal, filed on March 6, 2008, states that the AMP-Ohio permit was 'unreasonable and unlawful' in at least fifty different ways. The appeal will be heard by the Environmental Review Appeals Commission, an agency of the state government," Ohio Citizen Action. 32 Kb pdf.
CLEVELAND -- 'Mountain Top Removal' is an eye-opening film about coal mining, Julie Washington, Cleveland Plain Dealer.The most recent version of AMP-Ohio's plans indicates its proposed new plant would use coal from the Central Appalachian Region, where mountaintop removal is taking place.
Mar 4: Board approves Meigs power plant
CHARLESTON, WV -- "The Ohio Power Siting Board has just approved construction of a coal-fired electric generating station in Meigs County.
The 960 megawatt facility will be owned and operated by American Municipal Power-Ohio and be located near Letart Falls.
The Siting Board says its staff recommended 34 specific conditions to minimize environmental, social and cultural impacts to the area, and AMP-Ohio has agreed to follow these conditions.
Approximately 12,000 tons of coal will be burned per day when the plant is operating at full capacity.
It will utilize emissions control technology to regulate sulfur dioxide and particulate levels," WSAZ.
Feb 28: Coal oriented
CLEVELAND -- "Greenhouse gases are bad, sure, but come on: Coal is still a pretty cheap date.
Cleveland City Council showed that rational detachment Monday night, by voting 17-2 not to rescind a contract between Cleveland Public Power and AMP-Ohio, officially becoming the largest city so far to sign onto the construction of a new $3.4 billion coal-fired power plant down in Meigs County. That means every year for the next half-century, Cleveland will get at least 80 megawatts (hovering around one-third) of its energy needs directly from the source," Dan Harkins, Cleveland Free Times. PORT CLINTON -- Village stays with agreement with power company, Port Clinton News Herald.
COLDWATER, MI -- Michigan Senate passes HB 5834; Bill now awaits Gov. Granholm's attention, Don Reid, Daily Reporter.
Feb 27: Council reconsiders: Will join power project
MARTINSVILLE -- "Martinsville will buy wholesale electricity from three American Municipal Power-Ohio power plant projects for 40 years despite heavy public opposition.
Following a public hearing at which both supporters and opponents voiced their opinions, Martinsville City Council on Tuesday approved documents to participate in the projects in separate votes for each project.
Each vote was 3-2. Vice Mayor James Clark and Mayor Kimble Reynolds Jr. were the dissenters on each vote," Mickey Powell, Martinsville Bulletin.Feb 26: Utility stays with contract
CLEVELAND -- "Cleveland Public Power will stick with a 50-year contract to buy energy from a new coal-fired power plant. American Municipal Power-Ohio of Columbus has proposed a 1,000-megawatt plant on the Ohio River in Meigs County. Cleveland City Council tentatively approved a deal between Cleveland Public Power, which is owned by the city and does not generate its own electricity, and the Amp-Ohio last fall. Council had until March 1 to opt out of the commitment without penalty. Environmentalists have raised concerns about the cost and cleanliness of coal, as well as the length of the contract," Cleveland Plain Dealer. HUNTINGTON, WV -- EDITORIAL: Coal's future is problem that must be addressed, Huntington Herald Dispatch.
PARKERSBURG, WV -- AMP-Ohio update, Lauren Hall, WTAP.
Feb 24: Coal-fired plant keeps most supporters
Wadsworth, Falls, others still part of project raising environmental concerns
CLEVELAND -- "Plans for a new coal-burning power plant in southern Ohio are moving forward, despite strong opposition from environmental groups. Oberlin in Lorain County has pulled out of the $2.9 billion American Municipal Power-Ohio (AMP-Ohio) project, but it is the only northern Ohio community that has changed its position on participation. The plant, near Racine in Meigs County, is being funded by more than 80 communities in Ohio and four other states, including Cuyahoga Falls, Hudson, Wadsworth, Orrville, Seville, Lodi, Brewster and Beach City. Last fall, the communities pledged to build the plant with AMP-Ohio, a Columbus wholesale power supplier, and to purchase the electricity that would be available starting in 2013," Bob Downing, Akron Beacon Journal.
MARTINSVILLE, VA-- Power issue hearing slated, Mickey Powell, Martinsville Bulletin.
Feb 23: Cleveland Public Power contract vote is Monday
CLEVELAND -- "American Municipal Power-Ohio estimates its Meigs County plant will cost at least $3 billion to build. The Columbus company plans to supply electricity to about 90 cities in three states. CPP would be the largest subscriber. Opponents aren't happy about the prospect of such a long contract with a coal plant. They want more renewable energy sources. They also worry that coal could become more expensive if the next president supports taxes on carbon dioxide emissions. 'It's clear the cost of this project is going to soar,' said Sandy Buchanan, executive director of the Ohio Citizen Action group. 'It's like a variable-rate mortgage for coal,'" Henry J Gomez, Cleveland Plain Dealer . COLUMBUS -- Ohio coal-fired plant planned, Associated Press.
Feb 22: Oberlin Council looks anew for power options
OBERLIN -- "City officials said the real work started Wednesday after City Council voted 4 to 3 the night before to back out of taking part in a proposed $2.9 billion coal-fired plant on the Ohio River. The slim Council majority was not willing to go along with a 50-year commitment to buy coal-fired electricity from American Municipal Power-Ohio (AMP-Ohio), Council President David Sonner said. The decision came after about four hours of discussion by an overflow crowd. 'It was a prolonged exercise of democracy,' Sonner said. 'There’s a sense of exhilaration we’re not only doing the right thing, but the best thing economically,'" Cindy Leise, Lorain Chronicle-Telegram.
COLUMBUS -- Environmentalists debate emissions as AMP-Ohio members mull $2.9B plant, Jeff Bell, Columbus Business First.
Feb 21: Oberlin says no to coal-fired power plant
Oberlin utilities director Steve Dupee standing beside a chart comparing alternative energy portfolios, including renewable energy.
OBERLIN -- "Oberlin has become the third city in the state to turn down a 50-year contract to help pay for a new coal-fired power plant in southern Ohio. About 2-dozen other Northeast Ohio communities must decide whether to stay in or opt out of the 2.9-Billion dollar project before the March 1st deadline," Karen Schaefer, WKSU.
DOVER -- Residents should demand Dover pull out of contract, Letter to the Editor, Kyle Valentini, New Philadelphia Times Reporter.
Feb 20: Oberlin rejects AMP-Ohio coal plant
 Alternative Baseload Generation Portfolios Click on image to view full chart |
Meanwhile, Painesville City Council voted 5-2 against reconsidering their participation in the AMP coal plant.
Feb 20: Dirty Dancing
Cleveland talks about going green but considers a 50-year marriage to Coal
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Feb 19: AMP-Ohio communities: Are you about to buy into 50 years of Appalachian mountaintop removal?
CLEVELAND -- Communities that buy into the proposed AMP-Ohio coal plant may be unwittingly buying into 'mountaintop removal,' a method of coal extraction that literally decapitates Appalachian mountains. If your community is considering it, please take 8 minutes and 23 seconds to view the following video:
Feb 19: Cleveland City Council to vote Friday on AMP Ohio coal plant
CLEVELAND -- Cleveland City Council's public utilities committee will hold a hearing on Friday, Feb. 22 at 9:30 a.m. at Cleveland City Hall to decide whether Cleveland Public Power should sign a binding 50-year contract for the proposed AMP Ohio coal plant
- Action Alert with Council phone numbers, 41 KB doc.
- Announcement of meeting in Cleveland on Thursday, February 21 with Elisa Young, Meigs County Citizen Action Now, 674 KB pdf.
CLEVELAND -- Cleveland Public Power considers coal, WCPN. Aired February 18.
DOVER -- Council upholds decision on plant, Joe Mizer, Dover-New Philadelphia Times Reporter.
Feb 18: Meigs resident shares concerns about proposed AMP-Ohio generating station
 Elisa Young explains the devastation of coal fired power plants in Athens last year. |
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DOVER -- "A Meigs County resident took her concerns about environmental effects of a proposed power plant to Dover Sunday afternoon.
Elisa Young, a seventh-generation resident of her 144-acre farm in Meigs
County, spoke to about 27 people during two public
sessions in the Salvation Army Citadel at Dover.
Young appeared at the request of Dover resident Amanda Comstock, who is opposing Dover’s participation in the construction of the American Municipal Power Generating Station on the Ohio River near Pomeroy... 'How many Meigs County lives does it take to produce one megawatt of electricity?' Young asked," Joe Mizer, Dover-New Philadelphia Times Reporter.
COLUMBUS -- Final air permit issued for proposed Meigs County, Ohio power plant, Don Reid, Daily Reporter. Published February 15.
HILLSDALE, MI -- BPU sticking with Ohio power plant, "But the plant is drawing some criticism from an Ohio advocacy group, Ohio Citizen Action, which is saying the plant could cost 40 percent more than what AMP–Ohio officials are telling people it will cost because of construction prices," Benjamin Ray and Don Reid, Hillsdale Daily News. Published February 15.
MARTINSVILLE, VA -- Electric rate comparison finds AMP-Ohio option bill lowest, But city says figures are only projections, Mickey Powell, Martinsville Bulletin. Published February 15.
Feb 14: New R.W. Beck feasibility study shows AMP-Ohio costs out of control
 AMP-Ohio headquarters in Columbus. |
- The risks of participating in the AMPGS coal plant, David Schlissel, Synapse Energy Economics, February 13, 2008, 1.8 MB pdf.
- Letter, Marc S. Gerken, AMP-Ohio CEO, to Sandy Buchanan, Ohio Citizen Action, February 13, 2008, 2.8 MB pdf.
Feb 13: Projected construction cost of AMP-Ohio coal plant has been rising by $2 million a day -- every day for the last two years
CLEVELAND -- "The projected construction cost of the proposed AMP-Ohio coal plant has now reached $2.9 billion, according to a new study by R.W. Beck engineering consultants. This does not include financing costs. AMP-Ohio learned of the latest half-billion dollar cost increase in January, but kept it under wraps. Ohio Citizen Action obtained a copy yesterday through an Ohio public records request. Since the projected cost of the plant was $1.2 billion in October 2005, that means that the construction cost of AMP-Ohio coal plant has been rising by $2 million a day -- every day for the last two years. Further, there is no guarantee that the cost increases are over. R.W. Beck has confirmed that 'the final cost will not be determined until early 2009' in testimony to the Ohio Power Siting Board," Sandy Buchanan, Executive Director, Ohio Citizen Action.
- Full page cost chart with sources.
- Ivan Clark, Principal and Senior Director, R. W. Beck, testimony, Ohio Power Siting Board, January 4, 2008, page 26, 4.88 MB pdf.
- American Municipal Power Generating Station Initial Project Feasibility Study Update, R.W. Beck, January, 2008, 3.57 MB pdf.
Feb 12: AMP-Ohio coal plant dilemma: A modest proposal
CLEVELAND -- "I have a modest proposal to settle the matter: Let’s ask the market to tell us whether there are better options available than the AMP-Ohio plant. 'Power marketers' are companies that buy and resell electric power. Some are affiliated with electric utilities, but most do not own generating facilities. They know the market better than anyone does... In every city considering a fifty-year 'take or pay' commitment to pay these prices, the council, the mayor, or the law director, or the utilities director, can contact private power marketers and ask them to see if they can find a better deal. Could somebody besides AMP offer your city a twenty-year contract for reliable power, if the guaranteed price starts at 6.5 to 7 cents per kwh and rises to 11 cents or more? Could somebody offer a better price and, if so, why not take it? If not, then the community can still go with the AMP-Ohio proposal," Sandy Buchanan, Executive Director, Ohio Citizen Action, letter to officials in AMP-Ohio communities. 39 KB doc.
- Power Marketers in the AMP-Ohio region, Federal Energy Regulatory Commission, Public Utilities Commission of Ohio. 27 KB doc.
COLUMBUS -- Ohio students ask leaders to stop coal plants, and need your help!, Mattie Reitman, It's Getting Hot in Here.
UNION CITY, MI -- Union City OKs power pact, Justin Hinkley, Battle Creek Enquirer.
Feb 11: Financial expert questions AMP-Ohio contract
NEW YORK, NY -- "The contract documents raise significant concerns. Municipal electric systems (Participants) are asked to cede considerable current and future control over their operations and to agree to pass on costs to the residents and businesses they serve based on a poorly designed contract package. The types and level of control each Participant is required to cede to AMP-Ohio (and to accept the risk for) under this contract need to be clarified and weighed against the benefits and efficiencies that are achieved from agreeing to it," Tom Sanzillo, Senior Associate, T.R. Rose Associates, AMP-Ohio Contract Analysis. 93 KB doc.
- Executive profile of Thomas Sanzillo, 50 KB doc.
- An interview with Thomas Sanzillo: The proposed AMP-Ohio generating station contract, 37 KB doc.
- Relevant audits and reports from the New York State Comptroller, 30 K doc.
DOVER -- Meigs County woman to speak on effects of coal power plants, "Elisa Young, a resident of Meigs County, will be at the Salvation Army at 301 N. Wooster Ave., Dover, on Sunday to discuss the effects of coal power plants and the coal mining industry on her community," Dover-New Philadelphia Times Reporter.
MARTINSVILLE, VA -- Power plant issue revived, Consultants now recommending city OK plans, Mickey Powell, Martinsville Bulletin. Published February 10.
MARTINSVILLE, VA -- Martinsville reconsiders AMP-Ohio options, WDBJ. Published February 8.
Feb 8: 1,000 MW coal plant receives Ohio air permit
TULSA, Oklahoma -- "The Ohio Environmental Protection Agency has issued a final air permit for the 1,000 MW, $2.5 billion coal-fired American Municipal Power Letart Falls station. The EPA says the permit requires AMP-Ohio to use the best available control technology to limit emissions of carbon monoxide, particulate matter, nitrogen oxide and a variety of other pollutants. The agency said the mercury emission limit is more stringent than what is required for any other power plant in Ohio," Power Engineering International.
Feb 7: AMP-Ohio keeping new study under wraps: New coal plant cost jumps by a half billion dollars
 Marc Gerken PE, President, CEO, American Municipal Power |
Feb 5: Dover Mayor defends support of AMP coal plant
 Dover Mayor and president of the Ohio Municipal Electric Assn. Richard Homrighausen |
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Feb 4: Oberlin Council to discuss AMP coal plant tonight
OBERLIN -- "Oberlin City Council will discuss AMP-Ohio's proposed coal plant at its
meeting tonight. The council is considering two ordinances: one to
withdraw from participation in the plant and one to participate at a level
of 10 megawatts.
Nathan Engstrom, Coordinator of the Office of Environmental Sustainability
at Oberlin College, has provided the Council members with this fact sheet which he prepared along with community members and college students. The
meeting will take place at Oberlin City Hall at 7:30 p.m.," Cindy Leise, Chronicle-Telegram.OBERLIN -- Oberlin’s power struggle may stunt expansion, "company that supplies equipment to greenhouses all over the world wants to expand its plant in Oberlin’s Industrial Park, but is hesitating because of concerns about whether the city will be able to provide dependable power at an affordable price," Cindy Leise, Chronicle-Telegram.
Feb 1: Richlands seeking new 50-year contract for electricity
RICHLANDS, VA -- "The town of Richlands is seeking a new 50-year contract for the purchase of wholesale electric power. The town, which stopped purchasing electricity from Appalachian Power Company about 15 years ago after the deregulation of the electrical industry, currently purchases electricity off of the market on a wholesale basis. However, the town is now seeking a new contract with American Municipal Power-Ohio, or AMP-Ohio. Town council will hold a public hearing on Tuesday, Feb. 12, at 7:15 p.m. at the council chambers, to receive input on the proposed contract.," Charles Owens, Bluefield Daily Telegraph.
BERLIN, PA -- Berlin examines electricity options, Rick Kazmer, Somerset Daily American.
Jan 31: NEW REPORT:
Cost of power from AMP-Ohio coal plant could be 50% higher than predicted
CHICAGO, IL -- "The cost of the electricity from AMP-Ohio’s proposed new plant could be as much as 40 - 50% higher than what AMP-Ohio has told city officials, according to a report just released by the independent Scott Balice financial advisory firm in Chicago. The report compares AMP-Ohio’s assumptions of the costs of construction, carbon regulation, coal purchase, and financing to industry standards and utiltity expert forecasts," Scott Balice Strategies. 211 KB pdf.
Jan 28: Oberlin reconsiders power source
 Aerial view of Oberlin |
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Jan 25: Council says no to coal plant
YELLOW SPRINGS -- "After four months addressing a complex energy issue that sparked intense community interest, Yellow Springs Village Council on Monday night came down on the side of combatting global warming. In a vote of 3–2, Council said no to an ordinance to sign on to a 50-year contract for a coal-powered plant to provide the Village’s baseload power needs. Council members Lori Askeland, John Booth and Judith Hempfling voted against the ordinance that would have committed the Village to a contract with AMP-Ohio for the proposed AMPGS coal-fired plant in Meigs County," Diane Chiddister, Yellow Springs News. Published January 24.
Presentation to Yellow Springs City Council by Natural Resources Defense Council, January 15, 2008, 992 KB pdf.
Jan 23: Yellow Springs votes down AMP Ohio coal plant
 City Manager Clarence Monday addresses the Martinsville City Council on Tuesday night at the city municipal building. Council members abandoned the idea of participating in two AMP-Ohio power plant projects. |
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MARTINSVILLE, VA -- AMP projects rejected, "Public opposition led Martinsville City Council on Tuesday to abandon the idea of participating in two power plant projects as a potential way to curb future spending on wholesale electricity," Mickey Powell, Martinsville Bulletin.
MARTINSVILLE, VA -- Council members: The public deserves to have a say in city’s power options, Former Councilman Teague: Not going with AMP-Ohio would be a mistake, Josh Stegall, Martinsville Report.
Jan 21: Proposed plants face opposition in Meigs
 Sunflower Electric Cooperative’s coal-fired power plant in Holcomb, Kan. churns out electricity. The company wants to expand its generating station with two 700-megawatt coal-fired power generators. |
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ATHENS -- "Two proposed coal-burning power plants under development in Meigs County are among dozens of such projects nationwide under attack from environmental groups.
American Electric Power plans to build a 629-megawatt power plant in the Great Bend area along the Ohio River, while American Municipal Power-Ohio is seeking approval of a 960-megawatt power plant in Letart Falls.
Opposition to the AEP proposal so far seems to be substantially less than that of the AMP-Ohio project, which several local, state and national environmental and consumer groups oppose," Richard Heck, Athens Messenger. Published January 20.
MARTINSVILLE, VA -- Council to vote on AMP, Power projects on agenda, Mickey Powell, Martinsville Bulletin.
MARTINSVILLE, VA -- Power vote looms for city, APCo competitive but no proposal by Tuesday, Mickey Powell, Martinsville Bulletin. Published January 20.
 Bill Callahan |
CLEVELAND -- "Cleveland City Council's Public Utilities Committee, which is debating whether Cleveland should become the largest municipal owner of AMP-Ohio's proposed 1,000 megawatt pulverized coal plant, held one in a series of hearings about the future of Cleveland Public Power (CPP) on January 16. Bill Callahan, a Cleveland Public Power customer, provided City Council with testimony about the risks of purchasing the coal plant: 'But to recruit new customers away from CEI, CPP needs a selling point. Traditionally that selling point has been price. Unfortunately, CPP no longer has a significant price advantage to offer. And we're concerned that buying into the AMPGS plant will make CPP's competitive position even worse, permanently," Sandy Buchanan, Executive Director, Ohio Citizen Action.
MORE ON AMP OHIO
Jan 17: Villagers say no to coal-fired power plant
YELLOW SPRINGS -- "'The moral and economic cost of coal is too great,' was the prevailing sentiment in the room of more than 50 people who came to Village Council’s special meeting Tuesday, Jan. 15, to talk about coal-fired power generation.
Council members scheduled the special meeting to get more information before the decision they are scheduled to make on the 50-year contract with AMP-Ohio’s proposed AMPGS coal plant next Tuesday, Jan. 22. Council heard a presentation from AMP-Ohio leaders recommending their new plant last September, and this week, Council heard from representatives of the Natural Resource Defense Council, Green Energy Ohio and the Smart Growth Task Force, all of whom oppose the plant," Lauren Heaton, Yellow Springs News. MARTINSVILLE, VA -- Power study in; review set, Mayor Reynolds to see about releasing it today, Mickey Powell, Martinsville Bulletin.
Jan 16: Former mayor: No assurances with power plant decisions
MARTINSVILLE, VA -- "When the Martinsville City Council makes decisions on whether to invest in three American Municipal Power-Ohio power plant projects, council members will not be able to tell if their decisions were right immediately, former mayor George Adams said Tuesday. Because of volatility on the wholesale power market, AMP-Ohio likely cannot tell cities exactly what their power costs will be in the future, Adams said. So, he added, 'I don’t know if there is any way you could guarantee' Martinsville would see lower prices in the future if it invests in the plants," Mickey Powell, Martinsville Bulletin.
Jan 15: Reader's Viewpoint: Contract with AMP-Ohio is a bad bet for Dover
DOVER -- "Dover City Council has signed on with AMP-Ohio, our electric provider, to help fund the estimated $2.5 billion construction of a new pulverizing coal plant and to purchase a fixed amount of power from AMP – regardless of need – for 50 years. We will be forced to fund this construction – and any additional cost increases – through our electric bills. Is this idea 'sound'? AMP’s $2.5 billion estimate is more than double its 2005 estimate of $1.2 billion. Nationally, construction costs of coal plants have increased 60 percent in three years. Who pays if costs continue rising? We do," Amanda Comstock, letter to the editor, Dover-New Philadelphia Times Reporter.
MARTINSVILLE, VA -- Monday: Time 'tight' for studying power projects, Mickey Powell, Martinsville Bulletin.
UNION CITY, MI -- Union City looks at power deal, Justin Hinkley, Battle Creek Enquirer.
Jan 14: AMP-Ohio: Power control key
MARTINSVILLE, VA -- "A spokesman for American Municipal Power-Ohio said Martinsville residents may be opposed to the city spending funds to help build three power plant projects and committing to buy some of the power they will produce because they do not understand the intent of the projects. During a Martinsville City Council public hearing Dec. 20, six people voiced opposition to the expenditure, and one person asked questions about the projects. None of the seven speakers voiced support for the proposal," Mickey Powell, Martinsville Bulletin.
UNION CITY, MI -- Union City to decide on 30-year power agreement Monday, Battle Creek Enquirer.
MARTINSVILLE, VA -- Power analysis expected, consultants' report due this week; city council decision due Jan. 22, Mickey Powell, Martinsville Bulletin. Published January 13.
Dec 28: Danville will invest in power plants
$500 million over 40-50 years will go to AMP-Ohio projects
DANVILLE, VA -- "A neighboring city already has committed to investing in three American Municipal Power-Ohio power plant projects that Martinsville is considering investing in.
Danville will invest about $500 million over 40 to 50 years in the projects, said Joe King, assistant city manager for utilities. With costs for electricity on the wholesale market rising, Danville officials think their city’s future power costs will be 'substantially less' — at least 10 percent — by purchasing power from plants the city invests in, King said. 'This is a permanent commitment as far as we’re concerned,' he said," Mickey Powell, Martinsville Bulletin. Dec 23: Deadline shift irks Lawson
 Councilwoman Kathy Lawson |
Dec 21: Power fund vote put off
Local residents opposed plan at hearing
 Pam Sullivan, of AMP-Ohio, answers questions at Thursday’s public hearing. |
Dec 20: Power projects opposed
MARTINSVILLE, VA -- "Martinsville officials said Tuesday they have not heard any support for the city investing $3.5 million a year for 40 years to invest in three power plant projects. Four city council members said no city residents with whom they have discussed the issue has voiced support for the investment. City Manager Clarence Monday estimated that about 50 people have stopped him on the street or called him in recent weeks to voice their opinions on the issue. He said on a recent day off from work, people stopped him several times. 'The community is interested' in the issue, he said. But 'I haven’t spoken to the first person yet who was in favor of' investing in the plants," Mickey Powell, Martinsville Bulletin.
Dec 19: City still would need more power
 Clarence Monday, Martinsville City Manager |
Dec 17: City faces power decision
AMP-Ohio: Cities mean lower costs
Construction has begun on the Prairie State project in Lively Grove, Illinois.
MARTINSVILLE, VA -- "American Municipal Power-Ohio maintains that by Martinsville and other member cities participating in the cost of building new power plants, the costs will be lower. AMP-Ohio would own two plants that Martinsville is considering taking part in and be part-owner of another. However, since AMP-Ohio is owned by its members, those cities would be part-owners of each of the three plants, said Kent Carson, AMP-Ohio’s director of communications," Mickey Powell, Martinsville Bulletin. Published December 16.
MARTINSVILLE, VA -- Why one city said no to plan, At least one AMP-Ohio member city — Westerville, Ohio — has declined to participate in building new power plant projects, Mickey Powell, Martinsville Bulletin. Published December 16.
Dec 11: Officials pledge caution
City won't rush into power investment, Monday says
MARTINSVILLE, VA -- "Martinsville officials on Monday pledged they will take public opinion into consideration and think long and hard before investing a huge amount of money into the construction of power plants.
'We’re trying to flood the public' with relevant information so people can form opinions, City Manager Clarence Monday said during a Martinsville City Council neighborhood meeting at the Blue Ridge Regional Library branch on East Church Street... American Municipal Power-Ohio, an agent through which the city’s electric utility buys wholesale power distributed to residents and businesses, wants Martinsville to invest in three power plant projects," Mickey Powell, Martinsville Bulletin. HILLSDALE, MI -- BPU looks to Ohio for new power, Yet-to-be-built plant would provide adequate supply. Added cost won’t be passed on to customers, Mickey Powell, Hillsdale Daily News.
Dec 10: Is a 40 year marriage to AMP-Ohio right for Martinsville?
Westerville’s city council recently voted to reject a similar proposal by AMP-Ohio citing numerous concerns over the deal.
MARTINSVILLE, VA -- "It should be of concern to the residents of Martinsville, Virginia that our city council is considering entering into a 'marriage' of sorts with AMP (American Municipal Power) Ohio. We are well aware of the significant cost that can be quickly amounted in making such considerations. Residents should expect their city council to investigate the matter in its’ entirety on its own before jumping into this idea 'full steam ahead' and in doing so amassing an army of consultants, feasibility studies, and lawyers," Josh Stegall, GoMartinsville.com. Published December 9.
MARTINSVILLE, VA -- Power plant funds weighed, City may invest $3.5 million a year for 40 years, Mickey Powell, Martinsville Bulletin. Published December 9.
Dec 6: Judge grants citizens' right to be heard in AMP-Ohio coal plant case
COLUMBUS -- "Administrative Law Judge Gregory Price ruled on December 4th that citizens groups have a right to be heard in the Ohio Power Siting Board's deliberations on the proposed AMP-Ohio coal-fired power plant in Meigs County. AMP had attempted to prevent the Natural Resources Defense Council, Sierra Club, Ohio Environmental Council, and local resident Elisa Young from participating in the proceeding. The judge also ruled that the Power Siting Board should consider the impact of the plant on global warming, carbon dioxide emissions, and costs, overriding AMP-Ohio's claims that these issues were not relevant because they were national in scope and because the Ohio legislature had declared a policy to increase coal use. Hearings on the case begin on Monday, December 10th," Sandy Buchanan, Ohio Citizen Action. 241 KB pdf.
Case docket
Dec 4: Two groups oppose utility
Environmentalists ask EPA to reject or revise coal-fired plant's permit
AKRON -- "Two environmental groups are calling on the Ohio Environmental Protection Agency to reject or revise a preliminary permit for a new coal-burning power plant in southern Ohio. The Ohio Environmental Council and the Natural Resources Defense Council on Monday came out strongly against the proposed $2.5 billion American Municipal Power-Ohio (AMP-Ohio) plant in Meigs County, calling the plans flawed... On Friday, the two groups, along with Ohio Citizen Action and the Sierra Club, filed paperwork urging the Ohio EPA to reject its preliminary air permit for the plant," Bob Downing, Akron Beacon Journal.CLEVELAND -- The price of power, A plan for Cleveland to sign a 50-year energy contract with a new southern Ohio coal-fueled power plant has come under fire from local and national environmental groups, David Barnett, WCPN.
LETART FALLS -- Groups organizing opposition to plant, Richard Heck, Athens Messenger.
Comments on the draft air permit to install for the proposed AMP-Ohio generating station, National Resources Defense Council, Ohio Citizen Action, Ohio Environmental Council and the Sierra Club. 1,224 KB pdf.
Nov 30: Mayor Frank Jackson wants increase in advanced, renewable energy sources for Cleveland
Seeks increase in advanced, renewable energy sources
 Cleveland City Council is considering a 50-year contract with AMP-Ohio's proposed new coal-fired power plant. |
OVERLAND PARK, Kansas -- Kansas rejection of coal plant fires up backlash, Carey Gillam, Rueters.
Nov 29: Testimony against AMP-Ohio coal plant
Elisa Young's family in front of the original homestead. Her grandpa is the littlest one in the dress.
MEIGS COUNTY -- "My name is Elisa Young, and I am a seventh generation Appalachian from Meigs County Ohio. The farm that I call home is land that we received some time ago from the United States government in return for military service in the Revolutionary War. It's a heritage that has been a great source of strength and pride for me. Our land is also closer than I care to think about to where AMP is planning to build another pulverized coal-fired power plant... Our community has born the brunt of every piece of best available 'clean' coal experiment that has come down the pipes. Each technology has created different problems," Elisa Young, Racine, Ohio resident. 618 KB pdf.
More photos
Nov 28: The dirty secret of 'clean coal'
A highly destructive form of coal mining called mountaintop removal has devasted more than one million acres in the central and southern Appalachian Mountains.
MEIGS COUNTY -- "The proposed American Municipal Power of Ohio plant is one example that is driving the interest in new coal mining. Gatling Ohio LLC is buying up land and mineral rights in Meigs County. It is seeking state permits to mine 1,895 underground acres near Racine, Ohio. The mine is expected to operate for 40 years. A look at Ohio's 200-year history os coal mining show that the damage lasts much longer. There are only two ways to get coal. With surface mining, the soil and rock above or around the coal (overburden) is removed to expose the coalbed... Further south in the Appalachians, there is an even worse form of surface mining. Mountaintop removal mining is exactly what it sounds like - tops of mountains are blasted off and the overburden dumped into adjacent valleys," Mary Beth Lohse, EarthWatch Ohio.
ALBANY -- Coal train derails in Athens County, Associated Press, Columbus Dispatch.
Nov 15: City considers joint effort to address power needs
DANVILLE, VA -- "In a plan presented to City Council during a work session Nov. 8 and that council will discuss again Tuesday, the city would team with AMP-Ohio and 122 other member cities in a cooperative partnership to build, operate and use the electricity generated from three different projects. Danville currently only generates 5 percent of its own power from Pinnacles Hydroelectric Plant and wants to increase that amount to 50 percent through the proposed projects. AMP-Ohio recommends building two coal-fired plants and hydroelectric plants at three existing Ohio River lock and dam sites," Denice Thibodeau, Danville Register Bee.
Nov 5: Residents speak out about proposed coal-fired facility
POMEROY -- "Community members for and against a proposed coal-fired power plant in Meigs County gave sworn testimony Thursday at a public hearing of the Ohio Power Siting Board held at Meigs High School.... 'I believe that what we’re confronting here is a false choice between jobs for 100 to 150 people versus the environment and health of all residents of Southeast Ohio and future generations,' said Catherine Cutcher of Rutland, adding that the proposal was like 'dangling a poison carrot in front of a starving rabbit,'" Becca Bonthius, Athens Messenger. Published November 2, 2007.
Oct 30: City OKs electric contract
 Cleveland City Hall |
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Oct 29: Springs power plant decision postponed; villagers question the length of the contract with AMP-Ohio and the use of coal to fuel the plant
YELLOW SPRINGS -- "AMP-Ohio, a whole-sale power supplier, wanted council members to approve by Nov. 1 a 50-year commitment to purchase power from the 1,000-megawatt plant expected to be completed in 2013.
A decision was expected last week, but after villagers' continued concerns over the length of the contract and the use of coal to generate electricity, the council voted to table the matter until spring," Christopher Magan, Dayton Daily News. Published October 26.TOLEDO -- Bowling Green's green dilemma, "Coal-fired power plants produce carbon dioxide, the main greenhouse gas. But wind power and other forms of alternative energy aren't yet available in sufficient quantities to meet the city's needs. That's the main reason the city has an agreement to buy power from a proposed coal-fired power plant in southeast Ohio," editorial, Toledo Blade.
Oct 27: Cleveland Public Power still needs coal
Practicality demands that Cleveland Public Power grab the chance at an interest in new AMP-Ohio plant
 Cleveland Public Power building |
COLUMBUS -- Proposed coal plant would control pollution, costs, Mark Gerken, President and CEO of AMP-Ohio, letter to the editor, Columbus Dispatch.
Oct 26: Power plant debate
CHARLESTON, WV -- "A jobs-versus-environment debate is taking place in Meigs County, Ohio. The Ohio Environmental Protection Agency held a public hearing Thursday night on a coal-fired power plant proposed by American Municipal Power-Ohio... On the pro-plant side is the president of the Meigs County Chamber of Commerce. Howard Kneen pointed out that Meigs has the highest unemployment rate in the state. He says the possibility of new jobs and AMP-Ohio's plan to use 'greener technologies' to keep-down pollution, make the project a good one. But Mary Beth Lohse of the Ohio Chapter of the Sierra club disagrees. She says these 'greener technologies' are not good enough and it's time to look at alternative energy sources," Phil Weber, WSAZ.
Oct 25: Testimony on the proposed AMP Ohio generating station
 Sandy Buchanan |
CLEVELAND -- "We urge you not to take any precipitous action before you have all the information you need. AMP-Ohio is asking the City of Cleveland not just to buy power from a new coal plant, but to buy the coal plant itself. Cleveland would own shares in the plant, and would be stuck with whatever the plant ends up costing. The price of the shares is not fixed, but would change with the costs of building and running the coal plant. Cleveland would be the single largest municipal owner of this facility, and would even be responsible for a portion of the costs of other municipalities if they default on their shares. In fact, this deal is eerily similar to another financial instrument with which Clevelanders have become all too familiar: the variable rate mortgage. As you know, these mortgages stick the homeowners with rapidly escalating costs over which they have no control," testimony of Sandy Buchanan, Ohio Citizen Action, to Cleveland City Council. 39 k doc.
Consulting Engineer's Report for the American Municipal Power Generating Station, prepared for City of Cleveland by Burns and Roe Enterprises, October 16, 2007. (216 k pdf)
WASHINGTON -- Pace of coal-power boom slackens, Rising construction costs and potential climate legislation in Congress halt at least 18 proposed power plants in the past nine months, Mark Clayton, Christian Science Monitor.
ATHENS -- Ohio EPA to hold hearing on proposed new power plant, Callie Lyons, The Athens News.
Oct 24: Westerville out of power-plant agreement
Council concerned about coal's future
 Westerville Councilman Craig Treneff. |
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KENT -- Pros and Cons of New Coal Plant , Karen Schaefer, WKSU.
CLEVELAND -- New Ohio coal-fired power plant meets with opposition, Cleveland Public Power could be affected by power plant's fate, John Funk, Cleveland Plain Dealer.
Oct 23: Cleveland council to consider new AMP-Ohio coal-fired power plant
CLEVELAND -- "The first of several hearings that will determine whether the first coal-fired power plant proposed for Ohio in 20 years will be built begins Wednesday before the Public Utilities Committee of Cleveland City Council. American Municipal Power-Ohio, wants to build a 1,000-megawatt power plant in Meigs County at an estimated cost of $2.5 billion. The facility would be on a 1,000-acre parcel near the Ohio River. AMP-Ohio serves more than 100 municipal systems, including Cleveland, Oberlin, Painesville, Hudson and Cuyahoga Falls," John Funk, Cleveland Plain Dealer.
YELLOW SPRINGS -- Vote on coal plant power postponed, Diane Chiddister, Yellow Springs News. Published October 18.
Oct 21: Bowling Green looks to coal power despite 'green' practices
City eyes investment in SE Ohio project
BOWLING GREEN -- "So what happened Oct. 1 when push came to shove - when Bowling Green City Council felt the city needed to lock itself into a long-term contract for its largest source of power - rather than wait until Dec. 31, 2008, when a 20-year agreement Bowling Green and 13 other communities have with FirstEnergy Corp is set to expire? It aligned itself with coal. Bowling Green is one of 75 Ohio cities and villages considering major investments in a coal-fired power plant that has been proposed in southeast Ohio, along the Ohio River in Meigs County's Letart Township. The plant would be finished in 2013 if the project stays on schedule," Tom Henry, Toledo Blade.
Oct 19: Alternative to coal-fired power
WASHINGTON, DC -- "But the fundamental point is that filthy, 19th-century coal plants don't make sense in the face of 21st-century energy solutions such as efficiency, renewables, natural gas combined cycle and biomass. Last week, the director of the Ohio Consumers' Counsel testified to a state Senate committee that energy efficiency costs 1.3 cents to 3.2 cents per kilowatt hour (kWh) and wind costs 4.9 cents per kWh. AMP-Ohio has estimated that power from its coal plant would cost 6.1 cents per kWh in 2014 and 7.5 cents in 2020, without adequately allowing for the additional and inevitable costs of future carbon dioxide emission regulations," Shannon Fisk, letter to the editor, Akron Beacon Journal.TOPEKA, KS -- Proposed coal plant in western Kansas is rejected, David Klepper and Karen Dillon, The Kansas City Star.
HUDSON -- Council considers alternatives to coal generated electricity, Laura Freeman, Hudson Hub Times.
Oct 18: Hearings on the AMP coal-fired plant: What, When and Where
ATHENS -- "There are two hearings, one by Ohio EPA on the draft air permit, the second by the Ohio Power Siting Board. It is important to get good attendance at both these hearings. Public officials need to know that local residents don’t want this plant. If you can’t attend the OEPA public hearing, send written comments by November 30:
Dean Ponchak, Ohio Environmental Protection Agency, Southeast District Office, 2196 Front Street, Logan, Ohio, 43138.
The air permit can be viewed online," Marybeth Lohs. 52 k doc.Oct 16: Yellow Springs votes not to sign AMP contract now
YELLOW SPRINGS -- "The Village Council of Yellow Springs voted last night 4 to 1 to delay action on signing a proposed contract with AMP-Ohio to become part-owners of a proposed new coal-fired power plant in Meigs County. Village residents, from students to senior citizens, packed the council meeting room to voice their opposition to the coal plant. The council plans to hold a public forum before the end of February to discuss alternatives to the plant and to examine the environmental and financial questions involved," Ellis Jacobs, Board of Directors, Ohio Citizen Action.
Oct 15: What's a little smoke?
New power plant would mean tons of pollution, but Meigs County needs jobs
 Farmer Robert Morris' view from his barn might soon change because of a proposed coal plant near Letart Falls, Ohio. |
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Letter to AMP-Ohio communities officials, Sandy Buchanan, Executive Director, Ohio Citizen Action. 21 KB pdf.
Oct 14: Best available
What's wrong with AMP-Ohio wanting to build the cleanest coal-fired power plant in the state? Practically nothing
AKRON -- "If anything, AMP-Ohio deserves credit for embracing a cutting-edge technology, and one with a track record longer than the IGCC alternative. Environmental groups correctly note that the plant annually will generate roughly 7.3 million tons of carbon dioxide, the primary culprit in global warming. Unfortunately, there isn't yet a technology capable of reducing such emissions. The good thing is, the AMP-Ohio plant will be designed to accommodate such an advance when it arrives. The Clean Air Act calls for power plants to implement the best available technology for curbing harmful emissions. Too often, power companies have ducked and dodged in meeting the requirement. By comparison, AMP-Ohio has stepped up in a big way," editorial, Akron Beacon Journal.
Oct 12: Step back on coal-fired plant
YELLOW SPRINGS -- "Some things we don’t know for sure. We don’t know if signing on to the plant would save the Village money or cost more in the long run. We don’t know if 'clean,' coal, now mainly a concept, will ever become an economically-feasible reality. But we know these things: that coal-fired plants are, in this country, the single greatest contributor of carbon dioxide to the atmosphere. We know that carbon dioxide causes global warming and that global warming threatens our planet. And we know that what we do matters. Once there was a time when we thought what we did didn’t matter. We were only one person, or one company, or one little town. But those days are gone," Diane Chiddister, Yellow Springs News.
Oct 11:Westerville's power debate
City may pay for plant in effort to keep rates down
WESTERVILLE -- "AMPOhio is a nonprofit wholesale power supplier and service provider for 122 member communities, including Westerville, in five states. The company wants its member communities to invest in a power plant to be built on 1,600 acres along the Ohio River. To make the deal work, AMPOhio says it needs investments in about 750 megawatts of the plant's 1,000-megawatt capacity. Westerville is interested in 25 megawatts, or 2.5 percent of the plant's output. Risk is inevitable in any project, AMPOhio officials said. 'You build a house, you own the house. If the roof collapses six months after you move in, you still own the house,' said Kent Carson, AMPOhio spokesman. But 50 years is two decades longer than most home mortgages, say those who have concerns," Dean Narciso, Columbus Dispatch.
Oct 10: Environmental group speaks out against coal-burning plant
National council attempts to sway local communities from investing in American Municipal Power of Ohio
AKRON -- "A national environmental group is on the warpath against a new coal-burning power plant in southern Ohio, but Akron-area communities, including Cuyahoga Falls and Wadsworth, that are investing in the $2.5 billion project are not swayed.
The Natural Resources Defense Council is raising questions about American Municipal Power of Ohio (AMP-Ohio) and its plans to build a power plant that would burn pulverized coal near Racine in Meigs County. 'We have serious concerns about the plant's economic and environmental impacts,' said Shannon Fisk of the NRDC's Chicago office. 'We're urging communities to say no and explore better alternatives,'" Bob Downing, Akron Beacon Journal.Oct 8: Council nods to coal plant
YELLOW SPRINGS -- "At a special meeting last Thursday, Sept. 27, Council heard a two-hour presentation from AMP-Ohio on a recommended power portfolio for the Village which included the new coal plant... While AMP representatives would not specify the amount of carbon emissions the new plant is likely to produce, public interest attorney Ellis Jacobs quoted a figure from AMP’s own internal feasibility study on the plant which reported the plant is likely to produce in the neighborhood of 7.3 million tons of CO2 per year," Lauren Heaton, Yellow Springs News. Published October 4, 2007.
Oct 2: Despite pleas, coal-fired power OK’d in Oberlin
OBERLIN -- "Rimbert said he was emotionally torn after hearing an impassioned plea from Elisa Young, who lives near the proposed site in Meigs County in southeastern Ohio. 'We would have nine power plants within a 10-mile radius of where my family has owned a farm for generations,' said Young, whose family got the land from fighting in the Revolutionary War. With tears rolling from her eyes, Young showed Council photos of soot coming out of smokestacks even after scrubbers were placed on existing plants. 'I’m sorry but I’m pretty upset about being dumped on like this because of cheap electricity,' said Young, who said the area had the highest rates in the country for premature deaths," Cindy Leise, Lorain County Chronicle-Telegram.
Sep 27:
Why we oppose the proposed coal fired power plantYELLOW SPRINGS -- "You may have read recently about the controversy over American Municipal Power-Ohio's (AMP) effort to get Yellow Springs and 78 other Ohio communities to sign onto its proposal to build a new coal-fired pwer plant in southeast Ohio. AMP is proposing to spend $2.9 billion to build the 960 megawatt coal plant, and is asking its member communities to assume the financial responsibility for those costs. In addition, AMP is trying to get communities to lock themselves into purchasing power from the plant for 50 years," Natural Resources Defense Council, Ohio Citizen Action, Ohio Environmental Council, and Greene Environmental Coalition.
Sep 24: Plant not worth cost of air fix, group says
YELLOW SPRINGS -- "There are 27 coal-burning power plants statewide.Ohio already leads the nation in air pollution. Coal-fired power plants, chemical companies, steelmakers and other businesses spewed more than 126 million pounds of toxic chemicals and compounds in 2005. American Municipal Power's plans come when the Ohio EPA wants the state's top 100 toxic polluters to voluntarily reduce emissions. Some advocates think the state should require deeper cuts. The plant's permit does nothing to limit carbon dioxide, a key ingredient in global warming. Ohio coal-fired power plants release millions of pounds of it every year," Spencer Hunt, Columbus Dispatch.
Sep 21:
Take more time on energy issue
YELLOW SPRINGS -- "It’s not every day that one of the most well-respected environmental groups in the country offers to visit Yellow Springs Village Council to discuss an upcoming Council decision. It’s not every day, but it happened on Monday, when Council received a letter from a National Resources Defense Council representative. The representative offered to drive from Chicago to present the group’s serious concerns about the proposed AMP-Ohio coal-powered power plant, to which the Village is considering signing on as co-owner. However, the majority of Council seemed unimpressed with this offer. Rather, they chose to go ahead with their pivotal discussion on the AMP-Ohio plant next week with a presentation from only one perspective, that of AMP-Ohio," editorial, Diane Chiddister, Yellow Springs News.
YELLOW SPRINGS -- AMP-Ohio contract deadline heats up Council energy talks, Diane Chiddister, Yellow Springs News.
Sep 20:
The coal industry is in big trouble
WASHINGTON, DC -- "Big Coal is in deep trouble and wants Congress to provide a massive federal bailout. Since the beginning of 2006 at least two dozen new coal-fired electric power plants have been canceled, most for environmental reasons. As of May there were only 132 coal plants scheduled for construction nationwide, down from 137 in 2006, and even this number will likely dwindle. A small but effective citizens' movement has managed to box in Big Coal," Peter Montague, Rachel's Democracy & Health News.
Sep 19:
Ohio EPA wants top polluters to fix 'dirty state'
Strickland: Tighter standards may be needed if voluntary plan doesn't work
COLUMBUS -- "Ohio has long been among the nation's leading polluters -- a tradition that needs to end, the state's top environmental enforcer said yesterday... The announcement follows the EPA's decision last week to grant a draft permit to a proposed coal-burning power plant in Meigs County. Sandy Buchanan, executive director of Ohio Citizen Action, said the permit doesn't jibe with yesterday's announcement. 'The plant will release literally hundreds of thousands of pounds of pollutants annually,' she said," Kevin Mayhood, Columbus Dispatch.
Sep 17:
Meetings tonight in Oberlin and Yellow Springs:
AMP Ohio wants communities to sign on to new coal-fired power power plant
YELLOW SPRINGS -- AMP Ohio is asking municipal utilities across the state to contract with them to build a new coal-fired power plant in Southeast Ohio. The city councils of Oberlin and Yellow Springs are both holding meetings about these proposed contracts this evening. The plant would emit more than 7.3 million tons of carbon dioxide and tens of thousands of tons of other pollutants. An appendix to the proposed contract details the list of the communities where AMP Ohio is seeking financial participation in this plant, Sandy Buchanan, Ohio Citizen Action .
Natural Resources Defense Council's fact sheets on the proposed AMP Ohio coal plant
- Economic Fact Sheet (134 k pdf)
- Environmental Fact Sheet (127 k pdf)
- Trend Against Coal Fact Sheet (126 k pdf)
Sep 13: Ohio EPA issues draft permit for new coal plant in Southeast Ohio
YELLOW SPRINGS -- "Ohio EPA has issued a draft permit to AMP Ohio for a proposed new coal-fired plant in Meigs County on the Ohio River. The plant would emit more than 7.3 million tons of carbon dioxide and tens of thousands of tons of other pollutants, and require the minig of at least 2.8 million tons of coal. Ohio EPA will hold an information session and public hearing on October 25, 2007 at 6:30 p.m.at Southern Elementary School in Racine, and will accept public comment until October 31st. (2,255 k pdf )
YELLOW SPRINGS -- Energy options may include coal-generated electricity, Lauren Heaton, Yellow Springs News.
Sep 7: Yellow Springs should not sign contract
AMP Ohio proposes pulverized coal burning plant
Conceptual drawing of the proposed American Municipal Power Generating Station
YELLOW SPRINGS -- "If you are concerned about global warming, you probably know that coal burning power plants are responsible for 40% of the U.S. contribution of carbon dioxide, the main greenhouse gas. A 1000 megawatt plant will, each year of its 60 year life, produce as much carbon dioxide as two million cars. Coal burning plants are so central to our present predicament that all national environmental organizations have made it a top priority to stop the construction of a new generation of these plants. That’s why I was dumbfounded to learn that Yellow Springs was being asked to sign onto a project to build one of these new plants. AMP Ohio, the consortium of municipal utilities which Yellow Springs is a member of, wants to build a 1000 megawatt coal burning plant on the Ohio River," Ellis Jacobs, letter to the editor, Yellow Springs News.
Ellis Jacobs is president of Ohio Citizen Action's board of directors.
Sep 4: Coal rush reverses, Power firms follow; Plans for new plants stalled by growing opposition
WASHINGTON, DC -- "A year after the nation appeared to be in the middle of a coal rush, widening alarm about greenhouse gas emissions has slowed the efforts of electric companies to build coal-fired power plants from hills of eastern Montana to southern Florida.
Recently, proponents of coal-fired power plants acquired a new foe: Senate Majority Leader Harry M. Reid. In late July, Reid (D-Nev.) sent a letter to the chief executives of four power companies in which he vowed to "use every means at my disposal" to stop their plans to build three coal-fired plants in Nevada. Last month, after a speech in Reno, Reid said he was opposed to new coal-fired plants anywhere. 'There's not a coal-fired plant in America that's clean. They're all dirty,' Reid told reporters after speaking at a conference on renewable energy. He said that the United States should turn to wind, solar and geothermal power in an effort to slow climate change. "Unless we do something quickly about global warming, we're in trouble," he said.
Reid's opposition to coal plants is the latest in a series of new obstacles for power companies seeking to use the fuel to generate electricity. A combination of rising construction costs, state mandates for the use of renewable energy and lawsuits by environmental organizations have forced many utilities to drop or postpone coal projects this summer," Steven Mufson, Washington Post.
Jul 25: Block new wave of power plants
LOS ANGELES, CA -- "From coast to coast, plans for a new generation of coal-fired power plants are falling by the wayside as states conclude that conventional coal
plants are too dirty to build and the cost of cleaner plants is too high. . . As recently as May, U.S. power companies had announced intentions to build as many as 150 new generating plants fueled by coal, which currently supplies about half the nation's electricity. One reason for the surge of interest in coal was concern over the higher price of natural gas, which has driven up electricity prices in many places. Coal appeared capable of softening the impact since the U.S. has deep coal reserves and prices are low. But as plans for this fleet of new coal-powered plants move forward, an increasing number are being canceled or development slowed. . .
It's hard to say how many proposed plants will never be built. Some projects suffer public deaths when permits are denied. Many more simply wither away, lost in the multiyear process of obtaining permits, fending off court challenges and garnering financing. In the wake of the fading coal proposals, and others that are expected to follow, Citigroup downgraded the stocks of coal-mining companies last week, noting that 'prophesies of a new wave of coal-fired generation have vaporized,'" Rebecca Smith, Wall Street Journal (no link).
Jul 18: Coal: Missing the window; Downgrading on stubborn stockpiles, hostile politics
NEW YORK, NY -- "Prophesies of a new wave of coal-fired generation have vaporized, while clean coal technologies such as IGCC [Integrated Gasification Combined Cycle] with carbon capture and coal-to-liquids remain a decade away, or more," Citigroup, 507 K pdf. For more information:
REPORT:
Cost of power could be 50% higher than predicted
THE CONTRACT
This copy was obtained through a public records request in Yellow Springs
August 2007 letter from AMP which included changes to contract
Natural Resources Defense Council fact sheets on the proposed AMP Ohio coal plant
Economic
