By Bruce Ritchie, Tallahassee Democrat, Feb. 20
State planners are objecting to proposals that would allow a coal-fired power plant in Taylor County.
The Florida Department of Community Affairs today issued 12 objections to Taylor County's proposed changes to growth maps and policies that would allow the plant.
Tallahassee is a partner in the project, called the Taylor Energy Center. The project faces opposition from environmentalists who say it will increase pollution in the region.
The Department of Community Affairs said the proposal fails to ensure environmental protection or demonstrate that there is available water for the plant.
The proposal also fails to state how many generating units would be allowed or how large they can be, the department said.
DCA noted that 25 percent of the 3,000-acre site is wetlands and that it sits along the Fenholloway River.
"Given the character of the site and the current lack of provisions for natural resources in the proposed land use category, the amendment has not demonstrated that natural resources including wetlands and floodplains will be protected," the department said.
Taylor County has 60 days to adopt the proposal under state law. If objections remain, the proposal could go to a state hearing officer and then to the governor and Cabinet for a decision.
Check back with Tallahassee.com by 6 p.m. for reactions from Taylor County officials, environmentalists and representatives of the coal-plant partnership.
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