An Arkansas electric cooperative says an Environmental Protection Agency plan to limit greenhouse gas emissions from power plants will reduce utility companies' use of coal in favor of more expensive fuels.
The Arkansas Electric Cooperative Corporation says it was disappointed by the implications of Monday's announcement by the Obama administration to cut carbon dioxide emissions from plants over the next 15 years.
The proposal suggests a cut of nearly 45 percent in emissions by 2030 for Arkansas, which derives nearly 44 percent of its energy from coal, according to EPA figures. Natural gas comes in second at 26 percent; nuclear power accounts for nearly 24 percent.
Environmentalists hailed the plan. Utilities say it could reduce the reliability of electric service and affect rates for customers.
