Whitfield Urges State to Move Forward on Thoroughbred Plant | News | Congressman Ed Whitfield

News | Congressman Ed Whitfield | United States Representative

Whitfield Urges State to Move Forward on Thoroughbred Plant March 3, 2006 U.S. Rep. Ed Whitfield today called on the state to move forward on the appeal that is blocking progress on Peabody Energys Thoroughbred Energy Campus in Muhlenberg County.

In a letter sent Friday, Whitfield urged Environmental and Public Safety Cabinet Secretary LaJuana Wilcher to push for a final decision on the appeal of the air permit that has, to now, prevented construction on the Thoroughbred plant. Whitfield wants an explanation as to why the appeal has taken so long and what steps are being taken to resolve the matter.

Peabody initially filed for the air permit on the Thoroughbred plant in April 2001 and the state issued the permit in October 2002. Shortly thereafter in November of 2002, environmental interests filed an appeal with the state to block the permit, which continues today. Whitfield pointed out that the permits originally issued for the plant are set to expire and, that since 2001, power plant appeals have been initiated and resolved much more efficiently in a number of other states.

Whitfield expressed concern over the administrative delays that have plagued the plant, noting that some Kentucky distributors are now going out-of-state to purchase power that could be produced and purchased at home. Two electric distributors located in Kentucky recently announced deals to purchase electricity from Peabodys Prairie State Campus located Washington County, Illinois. Whitfield is worried that the continuing uncertainty surrounding the Thoroughbred Plant will encourage more electric distributors to flee western Kentucky in search of less expensive energy produced in other states.

Peabody predicts that the Thoroughbred plant will have a $100 million annual economic impact for the state, creating 450 permanent jobs, as well as 1,500 jobs associated with the construction of the plant. In addition, the plant will utilize coal from mines in the area, including a brand new mine adjacent to the plant that is expected to produce 5.7 million tons of coal a year. Absent further action from the state, however, Whitfield fears that Peabody may reconsider its plans and look to make future investments outside of Kentucky.

The Thoroughbred plant is critical for producing and sustaining a low-cost energy supply for Kentuckians and will play a major role in bringing jobs and economic growth to the Commonwealth, said Whitfield. This plant will have a tremendous, positive impact on Muhlenberg County and the surrounding communities. I encourage the state to consider this appeal at the earliest possible date so this process can move forward.

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