The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has issued a final greenhouse gas (GHG) Prevention of Significant Deterioration (PSD) construction permit to the Pinecrest Energy Center power plant in Lufkin, Texas. The project proposes to construct a new natural gas-fired combined cycle electric generating plant.
"Every day we are hard at work to help Texas businesses take advantage of new opportunities for growth and make a positive difference on addressing climate," said Regional Administrator Ron Curry. "This project is another step toward a cleaner economy and greener energy future for Texans."
Once completed the plant will have two new natural gas-fired combined cycle turbines, two natural gas-fired duct burner systems with heat recovery steam generators, a firewater pump engine, emergency generator and an auxiliary boiler. The projected cost of the project is $443.8 million and will produce fifty new permanent jobs.
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 the 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 industry to continue to grow in Texas.
