Office of Governor Gary Locke
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - April 10, 2001
Contact: Governor's Communications Office, 360-902-4136
Locke attended the groundbreaking ceremony for the new TransAlta gas-fired power plant near Centralia.
"We are breaking ground on a new power plant today, but not on a new idea," Locke said. "We need energy to power our homes, our schools and our businesses. As our region grows, we must be ready to meet those growing needs."
The 248-megawatt combustion turbine facility will provide enough power to service most of the homes in Lewis and Thurston counties combined.
When Locke signed legislation in 1997 to keep the Centralia power plant and mine in operation, the centerpiece of that bill provided tax incentives for installing equipment to reduce sulfur dioxide emissions by 90 percent.
"Once these scrubbers are installed, the entire plant will be one of the cleanest facilities of its kind in North America," Locke said.
Locke also talked about his current legislation that includes the diversification of energy sources.
"We must decrease our reliance on fossil fuels so plants such as TransAlta's don't have to shoulder our entire energy burden. I want us looking ahead to renewable sources such as wind, solar and fuel cells."
"I know TransAlta will take seriously its commitment to the environment, and its responsibilities as a key player in our region's economic prosperity."
Related Links:
- Energy is Money, Think Before You Spend it
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - April 10, 2001
Contact: Governor's Communications Office, 360-902-4136
New power plant will provide affordable, environmentally responsible power, Locke says
CENTRALIA - A new Lewis County power plant will invest in Washington's future by providing consumers with affordable, environmentally responsible power, Gov. Gary Locke said today.Locke attended the groundbreaking ceremony for the new TransAlta gas-fired power plant near Centralia.
"We are breaking ground on a new power plant today, but not on a new idea," Locke said. "We need energy to power our homes, our schools and our businesses. As our region grows, we must be ready to meet those growing needs."
The 248-megawatt combustion turbine facility will provide enough power to service most of the homes in Lewis and Thurston counties combined.
When Locke signed legislation in 1997 to keep the Centralia power plant and mine in operation, the centerpiece of that bill provided tax incentives for installing equipment to reduce sulfur dioxide emissions by 90 percent.
"Once these scrubbers are installed, the entire plant will be one of the cleanest facilities of its kind in North America," Locke said.
Locke also talked about his current legislation that includes the diversification of energy sources.
"We must decrease our reliance on fossil fuels so plants such as TransAlta's don't have to shoulder our entire energy burden. I want us looking ahead to renewable sources such as wind, solar and fuel cells."
"I know TransAlta will take seriously its commitment to the environment, and its responsibilities as a key player in our region's economic prosperity."
Related Links:
- Energy is Money, Think Before You Spend it
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