Court rejects power plant permit for SW Arkansas (UALR Public Radio) - The Arkansas Court of Appeals says state regulators didn't adequately review plans for a $1.6 billion coal-fired power plant in Hempstead County and has rejected a permit allowing its construction.

The court on Wednesday ordered the Public Service Commission to conduct a new hearing on whether the plant should be built near Fulton.

According to the court, the PSC failed to comply with a law that requires utilities to demonstrate environmental compatibility and public need. It said a study cited by Southwestern Electric Power Co. provided "little if any support" for the plant.

(Copyright 2009 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)

Click here to read the full 32-page ruling.

Click above to listen to FM 89's Ron Breeding interview UALR Law professor Ken Gould about the ruling's impact.

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