Opponents say Waco air quality would be hit by TXU coal plant

Opponents say Waco air quality would be hit by TXU coal plant

New coal-fired power plants proposed by TXU would add to ozone levels across a swath of Texas, and push Waco’s air quality below federal standards. That’s according to a study commissioned by TXU opponents.

The study’s authors say Waco’s air would get dirtier even if TXU follows through with promises to cut overall emissions by 20 percent.

TXU officials say their plan to build 11 new coal-fired plants but reduce overall emissions would improve air quality by closing or reducing the use of older, inefficient gas-fired plants.

One plant is planned for McLennan County, about 40 miles southeast of Waco.

A hearing on TXU’s application for permits to build new coal plants is scheduled to begin Feb. 21 in Austin.

A coalition of cities opposed to new coal plants commissioned the latest study, which was led by David Allen, director of an energy and environmental studies center at the University of Texas at Austin.

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