The proposed Environmental Protection Agency regulations of coal-fired power plants could hit Hoosier energy consumers hard in the pocketbook. That’s the contention of organizations like Kankakee Valley REMC, NIPSCO and even Gov. Mike Pence, who are all opposed to what they say is an overreaching proposal by EPA to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
Environmental and management consultant Dr. J. Winston Porter says coal is the fastest-growing fuel in the world, and countries like China scarcely control emissions. Porter says the federal government needs to look at the big picture when it comes to energy policy and study it on a global scale. He adds new coal-fired power plants are extremely clean and energy efficient. He conceded hydraulic fracturing to produce natural gas, a process known as fracking, has hit the coal industry hard. Still Porter says coal is the fastest-growing energy source in the world. He adds the United States needs to be mindful of this as regulations are considered.
