Wash. state coal plant's secret deal sparks outcry PDF Print E-mail
Written by WARREN CORNWALL, Seattle Times   
Tuesday, 07 April 2009
Gov. Chris Gregoire's (D) administration and the owners of Washington state's only coal-fired power plant reached agreements on new air-pollution limits for the facility in closed-door talks, prompting outcry from a federal official and environmentalists.

The confidential deal-making process for mercury and nitrogen oxide emissions at Canada-based TransAlta's Centralia plant was unconventional, as regulations are usually crafted with many documents and agency deliberations open for public scrutiny.

Critics say the deal requires too little of the plant and will add to smog that obscures views of Mount Rainier and other treasured state landmarks. "We have some major concerns about this," said the National Park Service's Don Shepherd, who reviews regulations for facilities that release air pollution near national parks.

The deal is not final, and the public will have a chance to weigh in at a yet-to-be-scheduled public hearing.

Keith Phillips, a spokesman for Gregoire, said the governor decided to pursue the closed-door talks in late 2007 because the coal plant's future was in jeopardy.

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Last Updated ( Wednesday, 08 April 2009 )
 

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