Texans question coal plants

AUSTIN, Texas -- As Texans engaged in a statewide debate over building new coal-fired electricity generating plants to meet their expanding energy needs, the state's Catholic bishops said that concern for the poor and the common good should help frame the discussion.

In a statement Feb. 20 the bishops warned that the proposed coal plants "could pose significant health problems, such as increased susceptibility to bacterial infection and increased cases of asthma."

"The plants will release sulfur dioxide and nitrous oxides--pollutants which are a particular problem for poor families and children, vulnerable workers and farmers," the bishops said. Those who work outside are likely to feel the worst effects of additional air pollution across the state, they said.

The bishops' statement was released the same day a Texas district judge blocked a 2005 executive order by Gov. Rick Perry that would put government permits for building coal-fired plants on a fast track, cutting the time for environmental objections and administrative hearings in half. Ranchers, environmentalists, mayors of major cities and many newspapers in the state have lined up in opposition to the fast-track order.

The bishops asked legislators to "enact legislation that directs the responsible state agencies to adopt a measured and deliberate approach for consideration of all permit applications for the construction of new generating facilities and to ensure that the permit process includes a full review of health, environmental and global warming implications" along with full analysis of alternative strategies.

On Feb. 25 the state's largest energy producer, TXU Corp., announced that it was tentatively accepting a $45 billion buyout--the largest leveraged buyout in U.S. history--in a deal that involves dropping plans for eight of the 11 coal-fired plants it had proposed to build. Other energy companies in the state have made proposals for an additional six coal-fired plants and one coke-petroleum plant.

--Catholic News Service

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