PSC Grants SWEPCO Permit

The long awaited PSC decision on SWEPCO'S Turk Power Plant came down this afternoon with a 2-1 majority decision from the commission. Chairman Suskie and Commissioner Bassett voted in favor of granting the Certificate of Environmental Compatibility and Public Need (CECPN), with acting Commissioner Newbern dissenting. Although this decision can certainly be appealed by the intervenors, it is my understanding that SWEPCO can and will proceed with construction at this time. I have been supportive of the power plant from the beginning and am very pleased with the decision to go forward. I believe strongly that this project will give a much needed economic boost to Hempstead County, and also keep electric rates manageable over the coming years. As I read the decision this afternoon, it was apparent that Justice Newbern's dissent was based primarily on global warming issues; and he called the decision of Suskie and Bassett, unconscionable. He basically sided with the intervenors position that coal was an unacceptable resource for energy production. Fortunately, Chairman Suskie and Commissioner Bassett took a more expansive view of the issue and factored in all the testimony regarding the environment, economic impact and the need for electricity. Whichever side you came down on before, is probably the opinion you will agree with after you read them. In the end, I believe the people of Southwest Arkansas will be much better off because of SWEPCO'S investment, and I look forward to the results.