ACCCE Statement regarding the Arkansas Court of Appeal's ruling on the John W. Turk Power Plant

Contact: Leah Arnold Polk lpolk@cleancoalusa.org 703-302-1222

ALEXANDRIA, VA – JUNE 30, 2009 – The American Coalition for Clean Coal Electricity (ACCCE) today issued this statement from Joe Lucas, senior vice president of communications for ACCCE in response to the Arkansas’ Court of Appeals decision to overturn the Arkansas Public Service Commission’s approval of Southwestern Electric Power Company’s (SWEPCO) John W. Turk power plant.

“We are disappointed in the Court of Appeals ruling because it represents a significant setback in both the economic progress of Southwestern Arkansas and the deployment of advanced clean coal technologies. The Turk plant’s ultra supercritical design represents a path forward in reducing greenhouse gas emissions from the utility sector and will be one of the cleanest, most efficient coal plants in the country. In overturning its air permit, the court jeopardizes further environmental progress, nearly 1,000 well paying jobs and utility bills in the Ark-La-Tex region.

“While national environmental groups and elite hunting clubs consider the ruling a victory, it is a damaging blow to the citizens of Hempstead and surrounding counties that are counting on the Turk plant for a multi-million dollar boost to the local economy. Any significant delay or outright shelving of the plant could decimate the largely rural and low income population already feeling the pinch from a lack of jobs and economic development. Also at risk are the thousands of SWEPCO customers across a tri-state area that will be forced to pay higher rates for electricity if the utility is forced to purchase more expensive power on the open market.

“SWEPCO has appealed the ruling to the Arkansas Supreme Court and because the appellate court mainly found issues with legal interpretation of the permitting process, we remain hopeful for a positive decision from the state’s highest court.”

About ACCCE

The American Coalition for Clean Coal Electricity is a non-profit, non-partisan partnership of companies involved in producing electricity from coal. Because coal is America’s most abundant energy resource, ACCCE supports energy policies that balance coal’s vital role in meeting our country’s growing need for affordable and reliable electricity with the need to protect the environment. ACCCE also advocates for the development and deployment of advanced clean coal technologies that will produce electricity with near-zero emissions. ACCCE is headquartered in Alexandria, Virginia. For more information, visit www.cleancoalusa.org or www.americaspower.org.