"Iowa Utility Will Phase Out Coal At 5 Plants, In Milestone For Sierra"

"An Iowa utility will phase out coal at five plants in the state under a settlement announced Wednesday by the Department of Justice and the Environmental Protection Agency.

The Sierra Club and the state of Iowa were also co-plaintiffs in the case, which dealt with alleged violations of the Clean Air Act by Alliant Energy subsidiary Interstate Power and Light. Under the agreement, Alliant has agreed to install pollution controls on two plants, while five plants will either switch from coal to cleaner-burning natural gas or shut down entirely. The company also agreed to spend $6 million on environmental mitigation projects and to pay $1.1 million to resolve the complaints regarding Clean Air Act violations.

"This settlement will eliminate thousands of tons of harmful air pollution each year significantly improving air quality in Iowa and throughout the Midwest," Kevin W. Techau, U.S. attorney for the Northern District of Iowa, said in a statement. "The agreement demonstrates the Department of Justice’s strong efforts, along with EPA, to bring large sources of air pollution into compliance with the Clean Air Act." "

Kate Sheppard reports for the Huffington Post July 15, 2015.

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"Iowa Utility Agrees To Phase Out Seven Coal Plants in Settlement" (Reuters)