On April 29, 2014, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency issued a final greenhouse gas emission permit to FGE Texas LLC for the construction of two natural gas-fired combined-cycle electric generation plants near Westbrook in Mitchell County, Texas. The total investment will be $1.2 billion.

According to EPA Region 6 Administrator Ron Curry, the plant is “an example of how electricity providers can meet customer demand while reducing harmful greenhouse gas emissions.”

The combination of the EPA permit issued April 29 and an earlier permit issued by the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality provides the necessary authorization for construction to begin.

“We look forward to putting people to work and helping to power Texas’ economic future,” says FGE Power CEO, Emerson G. Farrell. “EPA’s thorough review and thoughtful findings demonstrate that new technology, combined with a fresh approach to developing clean energy and sustainable infrastructure, can make a positive difference on our economy and the environment.”

The facility, which will be located in West Texas between Midland and Abilene, will be constructed in two equal phases and will generate approximately 1,600 megawatts of gross electric power. The facility will burn clean Texas natural gas to produce electricity that will help power the growing state economy and provide a backup for wind power, and potentially future solar power, in the area.

As further benefit, the FGE Texas project has established a new national standard with its low greenhouse gas and other emissions.

Gardere Environmental Partner Scott D. Deatherage assisted FGE in obtaining the necessary permits for construction of the power plants. “Working proactively with the agencies’ staff and management, the shared cooperation of the agencies allowed the permits to move more quickly through the process.” Mr. Deatherage says.

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