E. Idaho mayor doesn't want coal-fired plants in the state

 - The Associated Press
Edition Date: 10/13/07

The mayor of this eastern Idaho city says he is against allowing any coal-fired power plants to be built in the state because possible pollution could degrade the quality of life.

"I'm one that believes we should be looking at other energy sources than coal," Roger Chase told other mayors from across the state attending an Association of Idaho Cities legislative committee on Friday. "Coal's not the answer for our state."

Chase has become an outspoken critic of the industry because of plans to build a plant near Pocatello within the next five years, the Idaho State Journal reported.

He said building a coal-fired plant could end up damaging the state's economy because it would reduce the quality of life.

"I'm going to continue to say that we need to keep our air quality as one of the top items we protect as a state," he said.

Chase said alternatives to coal energy in Idaho could come from wind energy, agriculturally based biofuels, conservation and a state nuclear power plant.