Brought to you by WBIW News and Network Indiana
Last updated on Tuesday, October 1, 2013
(TERRE HAUTE) - The winter usually brings higher electric costs but another factor could as much as double your bills.
WTHI reports, new regulations announced by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) will cut down on coal production.
In a coal-driven state those new rules are met with harsh criticism.
"Coal produces about 80 percent of the electricity used here in Indiana," said Suzanne Jaworowski, director of Communications, Sunrise Coal. "And about 40 percent of the electricity across the whole country."
The EPA says the new rules are meant to reduce greenhouse gases.
While the rule for now only affects new plants, it will likely be pushed onto existing coal plants in the near future.
But those in the coal industry argue that they're taking strides to reduce the amount of pollution.
"Since the clean air act in the 1970's, greenhouse gas emissions from coal-generated electricity have dropped 80 percent. During that time, we've tripled our use of coal," Jaworowski said.
While the numbers for greenhouse gases might sound un-interesting, the numbers you could soon receive in the mail will likely catch your attention.
"The estimates are anywhere from a 40 percent increase in consumer electricity rates to doubling consumer electricity rates," said Jaworowski. "It's affordable, it's domestic, and it's consistent."
The EPA has not announced when these new regulations will be enforced for existing coal plants.
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