Government awards Texas power plant over $1 billion for major transformation: 'Today we celebrate ... this historic victory'

AI generated summary

San Miguel Electric Cooperative in Texas has received over $1.4 billion from the U.S. Department of Agriculture to transition to battery and solar energy, marking a significant step towards sustainability in rural areas. This investment will enable the cooperative to provide renewable energy to 47 counties, effectively removing the environmental impact equivalent to 446,000 cars from the roads annually and creating up to 600 new jobs.

The move comes in light of previous concerns regarding the plant's coal ash pollution, which had detrimental effects on local wildlife and water quality. While San Miguel disputes specific pollution allegations, the shift to clean energy is expected to benefit the community by reducing energy costs and improving air quality, ultimately contributing to a healthier environment for residents.