This is a brief introduction to a new coal burning power plant proposed for eastern Oklahoma. Shady Point II: (It is "Shady" that's the Point). Shady Point and Panama are two small towns in Oklahoma about 20 miles south of I-40 near Arkansas.  They are home to a 330 megawatt coal burning power plant owned by AES (Shady Point I).  AES is seeking permits to build an additional plant in the same location (Shady Point II).  The additional plant would be 630 megawatts. 
 
Shady Point I is and Shady Point II would be a "merchant plant" which means they sell electricity to utilities or other electricity providers who sell to residences and businesses.  Both plants will burn primarily Wyoming Coal mixed with about 10% Oklahoma coal (poor quality and high sulfur content).  Currently, Shady Point I sells its electricity to OG&E, but neither Shady Point I or II will be limited to selling to Oklahoma utilities or to Oklahoma consumers. In a nutshell, coal will be mined in Wyoming, and a little in Oklahoma, transported by rail from Wyoming and by truck from Oklahoma mines, burned in Shady Point, and the electricity will be sent to Oklahoma City, Tulsa, Arkansas, Kansas, Texas, Louisiana or elsewhere. 
 
There will be a great debate over whether this plant is economically viable, environmentally sound, or socially just.  What is the impact on consumers who will ultimately pay for this coal plant?  What is the impact on air quality, especially in Tulsa, northeast Oklahoma and northwest Arkansas?  What is the impact on surrounding rural communities in Oklahoma and Arkansas that will experience the coal mining, burning the coal, disposal of fly ash and other impacts on the environment?  What is the impact on the desirability of this area as a place to retire and raise children?  What is the impact on hunting, fishing, horse racing, and farming -- the local businesses that require healthy animals living in healthy environments?  There are many issues to address regarding this plant.   

For additional information regarding opposition to the plant, contact: Angela Wisely, Outreach Coordinator for
Audubon Arkansas
1423B South Main St.
Little Rock, AR 72201
501.244.2229
awisely@audubon.org