OPPD Proposes Extending Life of Dangerous Coal Plant - CleanTechnica

The Omaha Public Power District (OPPD) has proposed a resolution to extend the operation of the North Omaha coal power plant, reversing previous commitments made since 2014 to retire the facility. This proposal, set for a board vote on December 18, has raised concerns among local environmental and health advocates, notably the Sierra Club Nebraska Chapter. The group urges OPPD to honor its earlier promises to retire or refuel the plant, highlighting the significant health risks and environmental damage caused by continued coal burning, including the emission of over 1.6 million tons of greenhouse gases annually. The Sierra Club criticizes OPPD’s decision to commission a study from the Electric Power Research Institute (EPRI), a utility consulting firm, arguing that such firms are not suited to provide accurate health impact data. Instead, they advocate for clean energy alternatives to meet peak demand, such as energy efficiency programs, incentives for distributed generation, and battery storage investments. The Sierra Club emphasizes that retiring the coal plant aligns with