Florida's Future Role in Coal

Across the nation, the coal industry and government are planning the construction of 150 new coal-fired plants throughout the U.S. that will utilize "clean coal" technologies (Environment Florida, Feb. 01, 2007). With increased financial backing from the government, it comes as no surprise that Florida Power & Light (FPL) is proposing the construction of several new coal-fired power plants to meet Florida's future electricity needs.

Initially planned for St. Lucie County, FPL wanted to build "two 850 megawatt supercritical pressure, pulverized, coal-fired units" (RTP Environmental Associates 2005). After the proposal was rejected due to environmental concerns (Everglades face new pollution threat, 2007), FPL is now proposing to construct a different facility in Moore Haven, FL (Figure1).

Figure1. Proposed site of USCP power plant

Source: The News-Press (March 5, 2007)

If appropriate permits and approvals coincide with FPL's plan, construction of a 1,960 megawatt (MW) power plant should begin next year. Utilizing Ultra Supercritical Pulverized Coal (USPC) technology, the plant will generate electricity from coal supplies supplied by strip-mines from the Appalachian Mountains (Royse 2006). Despite being hyped as clean technology, there are flaws within the technology that may threaten the surrounding environment. With all the pollution control measure in place, the proposed power plant will still be a point-source for many harmful emissions (figure 6).

Figure 8. The following table was provided by FPL for the plant proposed in St. Lucie County . The figures may be different due to technology improvements; however, it is a clear representation of the point-source pollution issue. (RTP Environmental Associates, 2005).

The proposed site is situated at the headwaters of the Everglades and many people are concerned about the pollutants entering the ecosystem and the heavy use of water reserves from the Florida Aquifer (Save It Now Glades 2007). With millions of tax dollars already dedicated to restoration projects, it seems to be a high risk operation.

As stated earlier, the coal industry has been a major player in U.S. economics since the beginning of the Industrial Revolution, and politics play an important role in guarding the sector. There is 'big money' in coal and according to the Bush administration, anything that stimulates the U.S. economy is good; if that means building more coal plants to create jobs and secure fossil fuel supplies, than it's good and it's right for the country. Apparently, it must also be good for "King Coal" and politicians to jeopardize environmental and social health for the sake of profitability. The roots of influence are strong in the coal industry, and rocking the boat seems like a daunting task. An entire society must be educated and demand that using coal is an unnecessary risk that does not need to exist in the 21st century.

Bibliography

Royse, D (Setp.12, 2006) FPL plans new coal plant in Glades County. Associated Press
     < http://www.bradenton.com/mld/bradenton/news/breaking_news > (2007, February 01).

Save It Now Glades (2007). The Burning of Coal and Your Quality of Life: FP&L Coal
     Power Plant Present a Clear and Present Danger to Public Health. 2007.

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Website by Rob Leisure (2007). rmleisur@eagle.fgcu.edu

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