San Antonio’s J.K. Spruce Coal Power Plant Ranked Among Top 50 Polluters in the U.S.

San Antonio’s Power Plant Named Among America’s Top Polluters

San Antonio residents might be surprised to learn that their very own coal power plant has earned a dubious distinction. As of 2022, the J.K. Spruce coal power plant has been named one of the top 50 environmental polluters in the United States, according to a new study released by the Frontier Group. That’s certainly not something to brag about!

A Heavyweight in Emissions

Located near the picturesque Calaveras Lake in southeast Bexar County, the 1,444-megawatt Spruce plant is responsible for a staggering seven million metric tons of greenhouse gas emissions. In fact, this facility ranks as the 42nd-worst climate polluter in the nation, making it a significant contributor to our overflowing carbon footprint.

Just to give you a bit of context, the numbers show a troubling trend. Back in 2020, the Spruce plant emitted 5.7 million tons of GHGs, while its highest emissions recorded occurred in 2014, at a jaw-dropping 15 million metric tons. These figures highlight the need for urgent action to tackle climate change.

Impact on Public Health

But it’s not just about numbers. The emissions have serious health implications, too. According to research published in the journal “Science,” the plant has been linked to an estimated 170 excess deaths between 1999 and 2020 due to coal plant pollution. The now-retired J.T. Deely plant, located nearby, was responsible for about 1,100 deaths during that same period. These revelations paint a grim picture of the plant’s impact on the local community.

Future Plans for Spruce

Despite these alarming statistics, there’s a glimmer of hope on the horizon. CPS Energy, the entity that manages the Spruce plant, has decided to take steps toward a cleaner future. Last year, their board voted to shut down all coal operations by 2028. This means that one unit of the plant will be completely retired, while another will be converted to run on methane gas. This is a substantial move in the right direction and a significant step toward reducing emissions.

Texas and Greenhouse Gas Emissions

Here in Texas, the concerns about emissions are widespread. The state is home to eight of the top 50 greenhouses gas emitting facilities in the country. Reports indicate that most of the state’s GHG emissions come from the electric, industrial, and transportation sectors. In fact, according to San Antonio’s climate action plan, about a third of all emissions in the city were tied to the transportation sector in 2021. Who knew getting from point A to point B had such an impact?

Other Noteworthy Polluters

While the J.K. Spruce plant is certainly a major culprit, it’s not alone. Other facilities, like the Motiva Refinery in Port Arthur, are also on the top of the emissions list. In April, an analysis indicated that the Motiva Refinery is one of the top three emitters of carbon dioxide, nitrous oxide, and methane in southeast Texas.

The Martin Lake Power Plant, located southeast of Longview in East Texas, is the worst polluter in the state, associated with an estimated 4,100 excess deaths from 1990 to 2020. That puts things in perspective regarding how critical it is to shift toward renewable energy sources.

Time for Change

As we move forward, it’s vital for communities to continue advocating for cleaner alternatives. Frontier Group points out that coal-fired electricity production has now been outpaced by renewable energy, which is fantastic news for our planet. With the right priorities and actions, we can pave the way to a healthier future for San Antonio and beyond.