The Bay City Times:
A new coal plant for Bay County is back on the front burner.
The state’s review process for the proposed $2.3 billion coal plant will resume in March, two area legislators said today.
State Sen. James Barcia, D-Bay City, and state Rep. Jeff Mayes, D-Bay City, said they were notified by the state Department of Environmental Quality that the air permit process has resumed for Consumers Energy’s plan to build a new plant at its Karn-Weadock generating complex in Hampton Township. The process had been delayed under a directive from Gov. Jennifer Granholm.
“Obviously, Jeff and I are pleased the process is back on track,” Barcia said. “We can’t afford to wait a minute to create jobs and to provide new energy.”
Granholm issued an executive directive earlier this month, saying utilities needed to prove there aren’t any alternatives to coal-fired generation before permits are issued. State Attorney General Mike Cox issued an opinion last week that Granholm exceeded her authority.