South Carolina: Conservation Groups Oppose Santee Cooper Coal Plant

For Immediate Release        

23 October, 2007

CONSERVATION GROUPS ANNOUNCE UNITED OPPOSITION TO COAL PLANT

In the wake of a recent study by South Carolina's electric cooperatives showing that South Carolina has the capacity to generate over 1700 megawatts of electricity through efficiency and renewable energy programs, conservation groups from across the state will gather in Columbia at 11 a.m. on Thursday, October 25, to call on Santee Cooper to withdraw its proposal to build a 1300 megawatt dirty coal plant in rural Florence County. 

"This is the homework Santee Cooper should have done before proposing a billion-dollar-plus coal plant," observes Blan Holman, senior attorney for the Southern Environmental Law Center.  "The studies confirm that the state's future energy needs can be met with efficiency and in-state renewable sources that are cleaner, safer, and create more jobs."

At a recent Board meeting, Santee Cooper's head executive acknowledged that carbon regulation presents the utility, which is already heavily dependent on coal, with significant risks.  The proposed Pee Dee plant would produce nearly nine million tons of carbon dioxide every year.

"Santee Cooper has excluded the true costs of this plant.  It is all trick and no treat," argues Conservation Voters of South Carolina Executive Director Ann Timberlake.  "Santee Cooper has given us a false bill of sale.  What are the true costs of this plant measured against these viable alternatives?"

Conservation groups will present new findings on the true costs and environmental and human health impacts of the plant and address viable alternatives just released two weeks ago.

Conservation groups participating include Carolina Climate Network, Coastal Conservation League, Conservation Voters of South Carolina, South Carolina Sierra Club, South Carolina Wildlife Federation, and Southern Alliance for Clean Energy

DETAILS

What:  Conservation groups oppose dirty coal plant

Where:  2711 Middleburg Dr., Suite 101

When:  Thursday, October 25, 2007

Why:  South Carolina has better, cleaner alternatives that will produce more jobs

#### Powerful visuals showing pollution data and national trends against coal plants

Directions to South Carolina Wildlife Federation Office:

2711 Middleburg Drive, Suite 101

Columbia, SC 29204

(803) 256-0670

From downtown Columbia:

•    Take Taylor Street towards the east (toward Ft. Jackson).

•    Taylor Street will become Forest Drive. 

•    Pass Providence Hospital.

•    Turn left on Devonshire Road into the Middleburg Plaza.

•    Turn right on Middleburg Drive.

•    Our building is on the left, a large white building called the Kittrell Center, at 2711 Middleburg.  It is the same building as the Mousetrap Restaurant. and the conference room is right by the Mouse Trap. 

From I-77:

•    Take exit 12 to Forest Drive.  Turn away from Ft. Jackson, towards downtown Columbia.

•    Follow Forest Drive for about 3 miles, pass Beltline Blvd and Richland Fashion Mall. 

•    Turn right on St. Julian Place into the Middleburg Plaza.

•    Turn left on Middleburg Drive. 

•    Our building is on the right, a large white building called the Kittrell Center, at 2711 Middleburg.  It is the same building as the Mousetrap Restaurant, and the conference room is located next to the Mouse Trap.

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John Ramsburgh

Project Director, CVSC

1226 Pickens St.

Columbia, SC  29201

803-799-0189 (o)

828-275-5600 (c)