$450 Million in economic development and hundreds of jobs
Today, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) issued a final greenhouse gas (GHG) Prevention of Significant Deterioration (PSD) construction permit to Apex Matagorda Energy Center, LLC, Matagorda, Texas. The permit allows Apex to construct a 317-megawatt electric generating plant and auxiliary equipment to store bulk energy for the electrical grid.
"We are working closely with business to protect both our environment and our economy," said EPA Regional Administrator Ron Curry. "This permit demonstrates how business can save energy, reduce emissions, and take decisive steps toward a low-carbon future."
The energy from stored compressed high pressure air will be supplemented with natural gas fired combustion turbines to produce electricity during off-peak hours. The facility also aims to enhance the performance of renewable and conventional fossil fuel generation.
In June 2010, EPA finalized national GHG regulations, which specify that beginning on January 2, 2011, projects that increase GHG emissions substantially will require an air permit.
EPA believes states are best equipped to run GHG air permitting programs. Texas is working to replace a federal implementation plan with its own state program, which will eliminate the need for businesses to seek air permits from EPA. This action will increase efficiency and allow for industry to continue to grow in Texas.
EPA has finalized over 32 GHG permits in Texas, proposed an additional 11 permits, and currently has over
30 additional GHG permit applications under development in Texas.
