Final Coal-Fired Power Plant in New England to Close in Victory for Environmentalists

The End of an Era: New England's Last Coal-Fired Power Plant to Close

After years of legal battles and protests, the last coal-fired power plant in New England is set to close, marking a significant win for environmentalists. The Merrimack Station in New Hampshire, owned by Granite Shore Power, will cease operations by June 2028 under an agreement reached with the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).

Transition to Renewable Energy Park

In a groundbreaking move, the site of the Merrimack Station is slated to be transformed into New Hampshire's first renewable energy park. This initiative will see the installation of solar power and battery storage systems, reflecting a pivotal shift towards cleaner and sustainable energy practices. Additionally, the company has announced the closure of the Schiller Station in Portsmouth by December 2025, further aligning with its commitment to transitioning away from traditional fossil fuels.

Commitment to Environmental Responsibility

Jim Andrews, CEO of Granite Shore Power, emphasized the company's unwavering dedication to advancing towards a cleaner energy future. He stated, "From our earliest days as owners and operators, we have been crystal clear; while our power occasionally is still on during New England’s warmest days and coldest nights, we were firmly committed to transitioning our facilities away from coal and into a newer, cleaner energy future." The voluntary agreement with the EPA solidifies their commitment to this cause.

Environmental Advocacy and Legal Action

Environmental groups, including the Sierra Club and the Conservation Law Foundation, actively pursued legal action against the coal-fired plant, citing violations of the Clean Water Act. Their efforts ultimately led to this landmark decision, as Granite Shore Power acceded to closing the Merrimack Station. The excessive use of water from the Merrimack River and concerns over air pollution were key focal points of the advocacy and legal battles.

Impact and Significance

Ben Jealous, Sierra Club Executive Director, hailed the closure as a historic victory, underscoring the impact on the local communities and the environment. The Sierra Club highlighted that with the shutdown of the Merrimack Station, New Hampshire becomes the 16th state to be coal-free, with New England emerging as the second coal-free region in the nation. However, it is noted that a majority of the region's energy currently stems from natural gas, which poses its own environmental challenges due to methane emissions.

Celebrating Progress and Looking Ahead

Gina McCarthy, Bloomberg Philanthropies Senior Advisor and former White House National Climate Advisor, lauded the announcement as the culmination of persistent efforts to dismantle the reliance on coal as an energy source. She expressed pride in the region's strides towards a cleaner and more sustainable energy landscape, emphasizing the positive outcomes for the economy, public health, and the planet.

It is evident that the forthcoming closure of the Merrimack Station in New Hampshire represents a pivotal moment in the region's energy transition, highlighting the collective endeavors to embrace renewable alternatives and address environmental concerns.