Public Packs Valmont Power Plant Hearing
in Boulder

July 15th, 2009
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Board asked to regulate carbon as
an air pollutant

By Laura Snider, Boulder Camera

BOULDER, Colo. — More than 200 people turned out Tuesday night to oppose the renewal of the Valmont power plant’s air permit, which is issued by the state.

Residents took their turn at the podium in the Boulder County Courthouse for nearly four hours, pleading with the state’s Air Quality Control Commission to deny the permit for a host of reasons, the majority of which related to the more than 1 million tons of globe-warming carbon dioxide released each year when coal is burned at the plant northeast of Boulder.

But even before the first of more than 50 speakers stood in front of the commission to comment, a staff member from the Colorado Department of Public Health and the Environment responded to the arguments he anticipated hearing.

“At this point in time, we don’t have any specific regulations on carbon dioxide emissions in either state or federal regulations, and we are bound by those regulations,” said Roland Hea, an air permit supervisor.

Air permits issued by the state for large emitters, such as the Valmont coal plant, regulate pollutants including sulfur dioxide, nitrogen oxides, particulates and volatile organic compounds. But — at least so far — the permits do not regulate carbon dioxide or other greenhouse gases.

READ THE COMPLETE STORY HERE.

Filed Under: ARCHIVES • Feature Articles • POLICYWATCH

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There Are 2 Responses So Far. »

  1. Comment by Maura on 15 July 2009:

    To compete in a tough global economy, and contribute to a sound environment, one of the most vital elements will be increased efficiency. Over the last 25 years, the U.S. economy has grown 110%, but energy consumption has grown by only 24%. Advocate for the operation of renewable energy projects, for all of our sake.
    Energy & Environment Petition with Friends of the Chamber: http://www.friendsoftheuschamber.com/takeaction/index.cfm?ID=41.

  2. Comment by Jerry on 24 January 2010:

    Do you people want lights, power to watch your TV, turn your Christmas lights on every year, and so many other things that use “power.” What happens when the wind stops and the sun is not shining, what then? I understand that “Green” is good, but there is nothing out there that is as reliable as coal, unless you want to go back to Nuclear power. So let it go, there are air regulations and I am sure that Valmont (Exel) is and will comply with all of them.

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