Groups ask Duke not to expand coal-fired plant

CHARLOTTE, N.C. (AP) - Environmental groups are asking Duke Energy to abandon plans to expand its coalfired power plant just across the Cherokee County line in Cliffside, N.C.

Eleven groups sent a letter to Duke Chairman Jim Rogers on Monday that cites recent reports about global climate change and the effects of carbon dioxide, which is the greenhouse gas widely linked to global warming.

Duke wants to expand its Cliffside coal-fired plant in Rutherford County. The increased output would release about 9.7 million tons of carbon dioxide each year, compared to its current 4.1 million tons.

Duke officials said the expansion would help the environment by retiring four inefficient boilers and dramatically reducing nitrogen oxide, sulfur dioxide and mercury emissions.

The state Division of Air Quality will decide whether to allow the project.