Plans dropped for 2 wood-burning plants in southern Indiana

SCOTTSBURG, Ind. — A company has dropped plans to build two wood-burning power plants in southern Indiana three years after first proposing them.

Citizen groups had fought the proposed plants near Scottsburg and Milltown, arguing that they would pose health and safety concerns.

The Courier-Journal of Louisville reports that project developer Liberty Green Renewables LLC has asked the Indiana Department of Environmental Management to revoke state-issued emissions permits for the two $100 million generating plants.

A company spokeswoman declined to comment on the decision, but market demand for such renewable energy has dropped because natural gas and coal prices are low.

Concerned Citizens of Crawford County leader CaraBeth Jones is relieved by the decision, saying the fight against the projects has been a long journey.