Even though the EPA overruled the approval of the Big Stone II air permit just over a week ago, South Dakota Senator John Thune urged (also, here) the Obama administration to rethink it’s move. Despite the fact that “the EPA’s decision comes after the state failed to require state-of-the-art pollution controls for the coal plant that would address concerns about harmful soot, smog and global warming pollution” (according to a press release sent out by the Sierra Club and Clean Water Action last week), Sen, Thune persists that Big Stone II will make sure “the region will have safe, reliable and affordable energy in the future.”
Apparently safe doesn’t include air, water and soil pollution, severely burdening the nearby reservoir, not to mention the coal ash left after burning. Also, just beacuse the second coal plant will be cleaner than the existing one (which uses decades old pollution controls) does not mean that BSII will be clean.What Sen. Thune doesn’t realize is that coal is not and will not be safe.
So where does this leave us? Well BSII still isn’t dead. I get this image of a cross between one of those clown punching bags that never stays down and a zombie. Maybe I’ve been watching too many movies.
One thing we can do is send words of encouragement and support to the EPA urging them to stick with their decision to deny the air permit. I’m sure they would love to hear the support!
Comments can be sent to:
Ms. Carol Rushin
Acting Regional Administrator, EPA Region 8
rushin.carol@epa.gov
