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A South Texas coal-fired power plant will receive over $1 billion in funding from the U.S. Department of Agriculture to convert into a solar and battery facility, marking a significant shift towards renewable energy in the state. The San Miguel Electric Cooperative, located in Christine, will use the federal grant to transition to a clean energy plant, reducing climate pollution by 1.8 million tons annually and supporting up to 600 jobs.
The move comes after years of concerns over water contamination from the plant’s toxic chemicals, which can pose a threat to public health. The co-op’s CEO, Craig Courter, has expressed pride in their commitment to safety, environmental compliance, and community service. The transformation will also help the co-op virtually eliminate greenhouse gas emissions while providing affordable and reliable power to rural Texans.
This announcement is a historic victory for South Texas, according to James Perkins, a Sierra Club Texas campaign organizer. Other co-ops in Arizona, Colorado, Florida, Georgia, Minnesota, and Nebraska have also received federal funding for similar projects. The transition to renewable energy is a step towards a cleaner and healthier future for Texans, and it is a testament to the growing demand for sustainable energy sources.
The San Miguel plant has been a major source of mercury pollution in the state, ranking as the fourth-largest mercury polluter among all power plants in Texas. The funding will not only support the co-op’s transition to clean energy but also address the contamination caused by the coal plant and mine. This is a significant win for McMullen County, where residents have long been concerned about water contamination.
The co-op will need to establish a timeline for shutting down the coal plant, but this announcement marks a significant milestone in the transition to renewable energy in Texas. It is a testament to the state’s commitment to addressing climate change and promoting sustainable energy sources. Texans can look forward to a cleaner and healthier future with this shift towards renewable energy.