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Clark County Coal Plant Meets Opposition RICHMOND (Kentucky Public Radio) -

A public hearing early next month could go a long way in determining the fate of a proposed power plant in Clark County. At issue is whether the state should issue an air pollution permit for East Kentucky Power Cooperative's giant Smith-One coal-fired facility.

Opponents say the plant would harm public health and the environment and drive up energy costs. They argue for cleaner energy options like solar hot water, hydro and wind power. Utility defenders say the plant is the most affordable and reliable way to satisfy a growing demand for energy.

Elizabeth Crowe of the Kentucky Environmental Foundation contends the long-running controversy has given citizens time to understand what is at stake.

"People have a greater appreciation now even than a few years ago for the dramatic difference that basic things like energy efficiency can make in their lives, that this is not just an issue of people who are, you know, 'Tree huggers,'" Crowe said.

Meanwhile East Kentucky Power feels support for the plant is growing. Spokesman Nick Comer is confident of approval.

"We've been working with state government to make sure that we're able to comply and at the same time reduce emissions as much as possible," Comer said.

The hearing is scheduled for February 4th at the Clark County Cooperative Extension office in Winchester. The Kentucky Division of Air Quality then has 60 days to review public comments before making a recommendation.

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