LWV voices opposition to coal-fired plants

The League of Women Voters of the United States has called for a moratorium on new construction of coal-fired power plants, based on concerns about climate change and other damaging impacts of coal.  Local LWV leaders say the national position can help usher in clean energy solutions in Kentucky communities and around the nation. 

"Global warming is happening now," said national League President Mary G. Wilson. "If we wait for federal action from our congressional leaders, it will be too late.  We must take immediate and aggressive action to halt climate change," she said.

Elizabeth Crowe, President of the League of Women Voters of Berea and Madison County said the statement is highly significant for Central Kentucky.  "Central Kentuckians suffer some of the worst air quality in the nation due to pollution from coal-fired power plants and inefficient use of the electricity we get from these facilities," she said.  "Dirty air results in poor health, whereas clean energy from renewable sources like solar and wind, plus using electricity more efficiently in the first place, preserve our health and the environment, and can spur economic development as well."
LWV suggests five mechanisms that can ensure we have enough electricity without use of additional coal-fired plants:  1) energy efficiency of lighting, heating and cooling systems, and better insulation and efficient construction of buildings; 2) increased efficiency of current electric generating facilities; 3) decreased losses of electricity in transmission lines; 4) use of excess heat from electricity generation at existing power plants for heating buildings; and 5) use of renewable energy such as solar or wind power.   

Kentucky is facing requests for several new coal-fired power plants, including a proposal by East Kentucky Power Cooperative to build a new facility in Clark County.  "League's position on climate change, and now the call for a moratorium on new coal-fired power plants, affords us a great opportunity to pursue clean energy here in our communities," said local League member Cecile Schubert.

The full statement and other information is available at Background on Moratorium.