Idahos Risch opts out of pollution trading scheme for coal plants

Idahos Risch opts out of pollution trading scheme for coal plants

Thursday, August 10th 2006

Idaho Governor Jim Risch says Idaho will opt out of a federal pollution trading program, a move that effectively prevents coal-fired power plants from being built in the state.

Risch says opting out is “a very important step in protecting Idaho’s environment and the people who call Idaho home.”

He’s following the recommendation of the Idaho Board of Environmental Quality, which in June voted unanimously against having the state take part in the Environmental Protection Agency program.

Idaho currently has no coal-fired power plants.

Earlier this year, the Idaho Legislature voted for a two-year ban on issuing permits for coal-fired plants, to give the state time to revamp its energy plan.

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