Karen/Weadock is Back on the Front Burner

DEQ Resumes Air Permit Process

February 27, 2009
By: Bay Area Chamber of Commerce

Following communication from your Bay Area Chamber of Commerce, local businesses, individuals and local and state government leaders representing the Bay Area a new clean coal plant for Bay County is back on the front burner. The state's review process for the proposed $2.3 billion coal plant will resume in March.

The Department of Environmental Quality will resume air permit process for Consumers Energy's plan to build a new plant at its Karn-Weadock generating complex in Hampton Township. The process had been delayed under a directive from Gov. Jennifer Granholm.

Granholm issued an executive directive earlier this month, saying utilities needed to prove there aren't any alternatives to coal-fired generation before permits are issued. State Attorney General Mike Cox issued an opinion last week that Granholm exceeded her authority. We thank Attorney General Cox for his insightful opinion.

Karn/Weadock Task Force will meet next Friday at the Chamber to assure the Karn/Weadock Plant is built in a timely manner. Please call the chamber for more information (989) 893-4567.

Michael D. Seward, CCE

President & CEO