The Arizona Corporation Commission is being applauded for its 4-1 vote to deny the Certificate of Environmental Compatibility for the expansion of Salt River Project’s (SRP) Coolidge Generating Station (CGS).
SRP sought to add 16 new simple-cycle natural gas combustion turbine generator units to its existing facilities located near the unincorporated town of Randolph in Pinal County, Arizona.
SRP also sought to construct a new 500 kV transmission line and switchyard to transport the power that would have been generated by the new units, had they been approved. CGS currently consists of 12 simple-cycle natural gas combustion generator units.
Residents and advocacy groups opposed the project moving forward and expressed concerns with additional pollution resulting from the added natural gas turbines. Residents of the community also raised concerns regarding light pollution and the increased noise level from the additional turbines.
Commissioner Justin Olson was the lone vote for plant expansion. He said he was concerned that Arizonans might not be able to have their air conditioning during the hot summer months,” according to Utilitydrive.com.