A Natural Gas Power Plant with Carbon Constraints- and an Expiration Date 

By: Nathanael Massey and ClimateWire


Besides coal plants, there have been a new creation passed, a new natural-gas-fired power plant. Last week in Massachusetts, the construction was cleared to begin work. (Massey). The condition was that they needed to agree to reduce emissions of carbon each year before 2050. Back in 2012, there was a conflict when the Conservation Law Foundation and the Salem Harbor natural gas facility both went at it. "The law in question, the Global Warming Solutions Act, mandates that the state lower its emissions to 25 percent below 1990s levels by 2020 and 80 percent below those levels by 2050. CLF says those goals would be impossible if the plant were to run indefinitely on a business-as-usual basis." (Massey 1). People have explained that this could be a crucial turning point for the United States. Prices have been lowered for these natural gas power plants and is spreading throughout the country of the U.S. Even though this has many advantages, the Conservation Law Foundation have told people to be cautious because of the possible chance of methane leakage. Another negative argument is that even though this reduces our carbon footprint, these plants still release so much carbon dioxide into our air. (Massey).

"This agreement is forward-thinking as it not only ensures electricity reliability for the region but requires GHG reductions," said Richard Sullivan, chairman of the state Energy Facilities Sting Board." [Massachusetts] has some of the most ambitious greenhouse gas reduction targets in the nation, and today's decision will help us achieve those targets." (Massey 1). Overall this is a big step, but its whether we take these chances and go for it or not. (Massey).



http://www.scientificamerican.com/article/a-natural-gas-power-plant-with-carbon-constraintsand-an-expiration-date/