On January 26 2012, CCAN and EIP celebrated our first major victory in the fight against dirty power plants in Maryland when First Energy announced that it will close the R. Paul Smith coal-fired power plant in Williamsport by September 1, 2012!
Based on the most recent emissions data, this plant closure will reduce annual emissions of carbon dioxide by more than 200,000 tons annually, sulfur dioxide and nitrogen oxide emissions by at least 2,000 tons, and particulate matter by 120 tons. Sulfur dioxide and nitrogen oxide contribute to fine particle pollution, which is known to cause heart disease and premature death. Nitrogen oxide pollution is a major contributor to nutrient pollution in the Chesapeake Bay.
This is a significant victory for the health of Maryland communities, the health of the Chesapeake Bay, and efforts to fight climate change in the mid-Atlantic region. The retirement of the R. Paul Smith power plant is one more important step toward protecting the health of vulnerable Maryland communities while moving toward a real clean energy future that includes wind, solar and energy efficiency.
Check out our press release for more information.
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