Deseret News | Reader comments: Coal power plant proposal in Sigurd wins zoning OK

Reader comments
Coal power plant proposal in Sigurd wins zoning OK

scrabbleman | 2:02 a.m. Dec. 13, 2007

The planning commission had blocked this for quite some time because Sevier Power Co. has not had its ducks in a row. So the proponents of the power plant smeared members of the planning commission until they gave up and resigned.

Then the county commission (who is already on the record as pro-power plant) put the stooges on there that would rubber stamp whatever was placed in front of them. A sad day for Sevier County.

Ready for carbon taxes? | 5:24 a.m. Dec. 13, 2007

With more coal being built in Utah, residents need to be prepared to pay a new tax soon on the carbon released for its electricity consumption. About 95% of electricity produced in Utah come from burning coal. With Rocky Mountain Power finally recognizing that carbon taxes and restrictions are likely in the next few years, it abandoned future coal development for the next decade so that the added tax risks can be better assessed. One of the issues is that the big wind farm in Milford whose electricity output will not have a carbon tax is mostly being sold to California, so even if Utah develops its wind, if it is all exported, Utahns won't reduce their exposure to carbon taxes. A sad day for all of Utah!

rabbit1 | 5:28 a.m. Dec. 13, 2007

yes a very sad day for sevier county we might actualy get a few decent jobs for an area that couldnt use the tax boost we would be much better off going back to torches and living in our little caves out of harms way i aplaud the three members that voted for this great opportunity

Comments continue below

Scrabbleman | 6:52 a.m. Dec. 13, 2007

A 270 megawatt plant is nowhere near the size of the plants in Millard or Emery Counties. This plant will only employ approximately 20 people and most of them will be brought in by the company, not hired out of the county.

Don't believe the lies, this thing will not transform the economy of Sevier County.

Soul Sister | 8:23 a.m. Dec. 13, 2007

To the good people in Sevier County - don't give up. The air and water is worth fighting for, if you don't have your land, you have nothing! This looks like somebody will get a fat wallet and it won't be anybody living in Sevier Valley. Run the pushers for the coal out of town - FAST.

Chuck | 9:03 a.m. Dec. 13, 2007

It will also create more jobs for miners. This is not a huge plant. It will not harm the people, but will be a benefit. Coal can be burned effeciently and cleanly in a modern plant. It has less pollution than the radioactivity of nuclear energy.

Engineer | 9:13 a.m. Dec. 13, 2007

Any new tax will be slated to offset the costs of alternative energy sources, which are several times that of electricity produced by coal. However, once the government has tax money, it can spend it however it wants; it simply redirects funds that had formerly gone to whatever is being subsidized. Americans will be absolutely shocked at how much they are spending on energy if coal is forced out. That is, they'll be shocked unless they are unaware of the cost as electricity, like health care, will come to be known as a "right," and this great nation, made rich by capitalism, moves farther into the "equal outcome" quagmire of socialism.

Resident | 11:00 a.m. Dec. 13, 2007

Only the same few in Sevier County oppose this plant. Three members of the planning and zoning commission had the guts to stand up for what is in the best interest of the county. If you don't like it, move to Boulder Utah, live in a Tee-Pee with all the other enviromental nuts.

No coaL! | 11:09 a.m. Dec. 13, 2007

I don't know where CHUCK gets his information, but coal contaminates our air far worse than any other method of creating electrical power, there is no such thing as a clean electrical producing plant which burns coal. On the other hand, nuclear plants only contaminent byproducts are spent fuel rods which ultimately, will end up buried in Yucca Mountain.
Most of the industrialized nations are turning to nuclear, even our environmental groups are now leaning toward nuclear power plants.

Porkey Pig | 11:16 a.m. Dec. 13, 2007

It's a tragedy that such a stupid decision to place a power plant in a small narrow valley with a history of inversions could get this far. The county commissioners are totally ignoring the will of the people.

wYo8 | 7:09 p.m. Dec. 13, 2007

Keep the wind power in utah. Let Calif build their own wind farms.

Where's the Gov.???????? | 11:26 p.m. Dec. 13, 2007

Where is Gov. Huntsman on this one? He wants to fight for clean air and water...nows his chance.
Lets not kid ourselves, honestly, how is this really going to help the economy in Sevier County? Has anyone looked at IPP, and the economy in Millard county...what a joke! Not to mention the pollution. Seriously, who thinks burning coal is progression?

princess20 | 8:44 a.m. Oct. 8, 2008

i think we shouldnt have the power plant, because it is dumb.

your mom | 3:33 p.m. Oct. 8, 2008

the power plant is a bad idea!! haha thats what i think but who cares im only 15

Anthony | 9:58 p.m. Aug. 4, 2009

I think the plant is a good idea. It will bring jobs to an area that could sure use it. The new modern systems that are being used, do burn clean. I would rather look at one little power plant, then 10 thousand wind mills. Bring on the power plant and get people off unemployment. UNITED WE BARGIN UNITED WE STAND HELP BUILD AMERICA.....

Too bad | 12:01 a.m. Aug. 5, 2009

Sorry, but burning coal cleanly is still only an idea. No one has actually built a clean burning coal plant.

Now the people in Sevier will maybe get a couple of jobs, but pay the price with their health when their air, soil, and water become contaminated.

Also, you won't be able to eat the fish in your streams and lakes.

Anonymous | 12:56 a.m. Aug. 5, 2009

Ok so maybe there ara a few more jobs, but your house-values and your environmental quality will plummett. There are much better solutions for energy these days. Coal is so 1800's. Enjoy your dirty smelly air and water. I'm sure your congressmen will enjoy whatever kickbacks they got too. To those who might want to relocate, do so fast, and while you can.

Pro-Coal | 7:32 a.m. Aug. 5, 2009

Who are you people that think coal is clean?
What are you thinking?
When were you born?
Where do you get your mis-information?
Why are you so stuck in the 19th century?

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