(January 4, 2007)--Environmental groups plan to ask the Legislature to slow down plans for up to 19 new coal-fired power plants, seven of which are planned for construction in Central Texas counties.

The groups worry the plants will pump millions of tons of pollution into the air every year.

The Alliance for a Clean Texas wants lawmakers to pass new energy conservation measures in the upcoming legislative session.

Alliance members say they also want approval of a resolution to halt permitting of new coal plants in the short term.

TXU plans to build 11 plants, and Gov. Rick Perry has ordered state agencies to speed up consideration of permits.

TXU has said the proposed plants will meet the state's growing demand for power, and reduce toxic emissions by replacing older, less efficient plants.

Other opponents of the plants include a coalition of 17 mayors whose cities are downwind of the plants, including Dallas Mayor Laura Miller and Houston Mayor Bill White.

Waco, McLennan County and the Hallsburg ISD are members of the coalition.

There are currently more than a dozen coal plants operating in Texas.

The Proposed Plants

Bexar County
J. K. Spruce (CPS Energy): 1 new coal unit
Calhoun County
Formosa Plastics: 1 new coal unit
Fanin County
Valley (TXU): 1 new coal unit
Freestone County
Big Brown (TXU): 1 new coal unit
Limestone County
Limestone (NRG Energy): 1 new coal unit
McLennan County
Lake Creek (TXU): 1 new coal unit
Sandy Creek (LS Power): 1 new coal unit
Tradinghouse Creek (TXU): 2 new coal units
Milam County
Sandow (TXU): 1 new coal unit
Mitchell County
Morgan Creek (TXU): 1 new coal unit
Robertson County
Oak Grove (TXU): 2 new coal units
Twin Oaks (PNM Resources: 1 new coal unit
Rusk County
Martin Lake (TXU): 1 new coal unit
Titus County
Monticello (TXU): 1 new coal unit

Proposed Coal Plant Information Sites

Click Here For TXU Energy Web Site

Click Here For Report On TXU’s Proposed Pollution Offset Strategy

Click Here For Texas Commission on Environmental Quality Web Site

Click Here For Alliance For A Clean Texas Web Site

Click Here For Public Interest Research Groups Report On Consequences Of Expanding US Coal Dependence

Click Here For Report On Impact Of Mercury Prepared For Clear The Air

Click Here For Environmental Defense Web Site

Click Here For SEED Coalition Web Site

Click Here For Texans Protecting Our Water Environment And Resources Web Site

Click Here For Texas House of Representatives Web Site

Click Here For Texas Senate Web Site

Click Here To Find Information About Specific Bills

Click Here For Texas House Speaker’s Web Site

Click Here For Texas Lt. Governor’s Web Site

Click Here For Texas Governor’s Web Site

Click Here For Legislative Budget Board Web Site