Wyoming Coal Demand May Be Affected By New Rules

The Environmental Protection Agency is proposing new rules for coal-fired power plants and the demand for Wyoming's coal may be affected.

One of Wyoming's top buyers of coal is Ohio based American Electric Power Co Inc. Every year the company buys approximately 24 million tons of coal from the Powder River Basin. The Powder River Basin is one of the states top coal producing areas.

New regulations being considered by the EPA would limit emissions of mercury, lead and other toxins from coal-fired plants. The new regulations are stated to possibly take effect in three to four years. If regulations were to take effect that soon it would mean the closing of many plants across three states and the retirement of generating units in five states by the end of 2012, according to American Electric Power Co. Inc.

The Welsh Plant in Pittsburg, TX which is owned by American Electric Power Co. Inc., is fueled entirely by the Powder River Basin. If the new regulations were to take effect American Electric says they would have to partially close the Welsh Plant.

American Electric Power Co. Inc. provides power to more than 5 million customers across 11 states.

For more information check out the Casper Star Tribune.