Report: Ohio ranks 2nd for climate-altering carbon emissions from power plants

9/10/2013

Ohio continues to rank second behind Texas for climate-altering carbon emissions from coal-fired power plants, according to Environment Ohio.

The Columbus-based environmental group said its latest report, based on federal energy records, is an opportunity for Ohioans to embrace more renewable energy, including that being developed in the Toledo area.

Christian Adams, the group's state associate, issued the report to local media today at an event in Promenade Park along the Maumee River in downtown Toledo.

He said the group sees the report as more reason to support President Obama's plans for tighter regulations on coal-fired power plants, expected to be finalized later this month by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.

Mr. Adams was joined at the news conference by retired University of Toledo physics department chairman Al Compaan, who now heads a small firm dedicated to solar research and who is someone who has given expert testimony on solar power to Ohio legislators.

"One of the important things to realize is the landscape for coal-fired power plants is changing," Mr. Compaan said.

Coal-fired power plants are the nation's largest source of carbon dioxide, the most prevalent greenhouse gas associated with climate change.