| Somerset Station Power Plant
CLF is working to reduce pollution from the region's coal fired power plants, including the 120MW Somerset Station located in Somerset, MA, near the Taunton River. Under "Filthy Five" regulations the coal power plant and its owners, NRG Energy, agreed to re-power with cleaner emissions or shut down by January, 2010. Instead, NRG is proposing to convert the plant from traditional coal technology to a first-of-a-kind plasma coal gasification process in which coal is converted to gas.
CLF, environmental groups and local residents oppose this proposal because it would allow the company to extend the life of a coal-fired power plant while increasing some emissions and continuing to release carbon dioxide emissions, a main contributor to global warming. NRG has also proposed to burn up to 100% construction and demolition debris which also could result in the release of toxins such as arsenic and lead.
Despite objections from CLF and others, the DEP granted NRG’s request to go forward with this experimental technology without conducting a full environmental review or assessing any actual emissions data. CLF has appealed the DEP decision in state court and is also pressing for federal review of the project.
At a time when the catastrophic impacts of climate change are coming into sharp focus, prolonging the life of carbon intensive coal plants is irresponsible. The Patrick Administration therefore must reverse course and hold NRG to the stringent requirements and conditions of its original permit. CLF will continue to work with the community to ensure that this occurs.
Contacts:
Shanna Cleveland
Staff Attorney
Seth Kaplan
Senior Attorney
Vice President for Policy and Climate Advocacy
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