Duke, opponents reach agreement on coal-gasification plant

 

Four consumer and environmental groups have agreed to stop fighting a Duke Energy coal-gasification plant and join the utility’s settlement with other parties on costs that will be passed along to ratepayers.

The Citizens Action Coalition, the Sierra Club, Save the Valley and Valley Watch joined the utility in announcing the agreement in which Duke agreed not to pass along $87.5 million of the operating costs of the plant at Edwardsport. Duke also agreed to stop burning coal within seven years at a New Albany power plant, provide $500,000 in energy assistance for needy customers, and spend $500,000 for solar projects at churches, schools and other community sites.

The Indianapolis Business Journal reports the agreement likely ends all serious opposition to the plant.