Coal fired power plants in Indiana and Armstrong Counties that were slated to close in two years will be able to remain open longer after an agreement was reached with state officials.
Keystone-Conemaugh Projects, LLC announced the deal yesterday that will keep the Conemaugh Generating Station in West Wheatfield Township and the Keystone station in Shelocta in operation through 2032. The agreement comes with requirements for Key-Con, including submitting applications for permits and authorizations to make system upgrades within 60 days of the consent decree, starting construction within 90 days of receiving all permits, completing construction in 180 days and beginning operation of the upgraded systems within 60 days of construction completion.
The stations were set to close after Key-Con said energy demands were not high enough to invest millions to meet federal water pollution requirements, but with the interest of AI data centers and the power needed to run them, the company reversed its decision.
President Donald Trump said in a post on Truth Social Media that this was a “Big Win” for the commonwealth. Governor Josh Shapiro said the agreement was a way to “assuage energy concerns in the state while reducing the effect on the environment.”
State Representative Jim Struzzi and Senator Joe Pittman applauded the deal in their own social media posts. Pittman said the deal will save family-sustaining jobs in Pennsylvania, and Struzzi touted that this will result in affordable energy.
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