The Natural Resources Defense Council and the Ohio Environmental Council claim that the new American Municipal Power Plant planned for Meigs County will be subject to future federal carbon clean-up mandates.
Over and above potential health concerns at the plant, NRDC attorney Shannon Fisk argues that associated costs would be passed on to the cities under terms of a very long contract.
SHANNON FISK: The construction costs for the plant have doubled in the past two years from $1.2 billion to $2.5 billion for construction. And because of the construction cost risks, it poses a burden on the cities that are being asked to sign on to this plan, such as Cleveland.
An American Municipal Power spokesperson counters that potential federal costs have already been figured into the plant's bottom line, claiming that its new coal burning technology is both safe and cost effective.