Texans Rally Against New Coal Plants

Jane Bedford holds her sign during a rally Sunday, Feb. 11, 2007, in Austin, Texas. Some 40 organizations gathered outside the Capitol to ask the Texas Legislature to pass a resolution calling for a moratorium on coal-fired generating plants and to lead the state to cleaner energy solutions. (AP Photo/Harry Cabluck) (Harry Cabluck - AP)

AUSTIN, Texas -- Carrying signs with slogans of "Stop the Coal Rush" and "Shame on Texas," about 1,000 people rallied at the state Capitol to persuade lawmakers to abandon a plan to build up to 18 new coal-fired power plants.

Environmentalists fear the new plants will pump millions of tons of pollutants into the air every year.

"Coal plants seem so archaic," said Stacy Foss, a teacher who brought her two young children to the rally Sunday in the 50-degree weather. "Texas is so environmentally incorrect."

Energy giant TXU Corp., which wants to build 11 of the new plants, has said the facilities will meet the state's growing demand for power, give an economic boost to small towns and reduce toxic emissions by replacing older, less efficient plants.

The TXU proposal is on the fast track under an order Gov. Rick Perry issued in 2005 to expand the production of electricity and lower its cost.

Those attending the rally, organized by about 40 environmental and health advocacy groups, including the Sierra Club and the American Lung Association, called on lawmakers to support a time out on permits for the new plants.

A hearing on TXU's application is scheduled to begin Feb. 21.

State Rep. Charles "Doc" Anderson has filed a resolution calling for a 180-day moratorium on new coal plant permits to give state officials more time to study environmental and health impacts.

"A moratorium would give us time to take a deep clean breath," Anderson said.

His resolution hasn't been scheduled for a vote in the House.

Many in the crowd Sunday carried signs warning about global warming and called for the state to invest in wind and solar power and conservation programs.

Several people dressed in costumes as coal miners with sooty faces. Damon Jones, an Austin restaurant manager, wore a gas mask with his black suit.