The agreement sets dates for retiring both units at AEP-PSO’s Northeastern coal-fired power plant near Oologah, Oklahoma.
Under the agreement between the US Environmental Protection Agency and PSO, the first 473-megawatt coal unit at the Northeastern plant will be retired by December 31, 2017.
The second 473MW unit will remain online but will have pollution controls installed by that date.
Between 2017 and 2026 PSO will reduce the amount of coal burned at the unit until it is decommissioned no later than December 31, 2026.
Oklahoma has six coal-fired power plants.
Not surprisingly, news of the deal was met with glee from environmentalists.
Sierra Club field officer Whitney Pearson said Oklahoma had to move beyond coal and PSO was taking a strong first step.
She said the step shone a light on the other two coal plants owned by another Oklahoma generator OGE.
“Litgation over OGE’s two coal plants continues,” Pearson said.
