# No Need for New Conventional Coal Plants

*Published:* 2009-09-30
*Author:* Jim Marston

![Jim Marston](http://blogs.edf.org/texasenergyexchange/files/2009/07/jim226.thumbnail.jpg)A New York Times Green Inc. article yesterday — “[Big Utilities Pull Back on Coal Plant Plans](http://greeninc.blogs.nytimes.com/2009/09/29/big-utilities-pull-back-on-coal-plant-plans/ "Big Utilities Pull Back on Coal Plant Plans")” — stated that many Southwest utilities were shifting away from coal-generated power and moving toward renewables and energy efficiency. Many plants that were planned are now canceled or on hold.

So my question for all Texans is, “Why would we foolishly try to build even one more conventional coal plant?”