Oregon Public Broadcasting

Plans to shut down Oregon's only coal-fired power plant in 2020 needs a second look. That's according to Oregon’s Department of Environmental Quality. April Baer reports.

The regulatory road is a long one, if you're talking about shutting down such a big plant as PGE’s Boardman operation.

It's a source of pollution in the Gorge. But it's an important part of PGE’s energy mix, producing 374 megawatts of relatively cheap electricity for some of Oregon’s most populated areas.

DEQ is recommending that the state's top power regulators decline to adopt part of PGE's petition that would lead to the plant's closure in 2020.

DEQ isn't trying to block the closure. Administrators say they support an early closure, but they want a broader range of options to be considered. That could mean an earlier target date than 2020.

Steve Corson with PGE says the company isn't bothered by the recommendation.

Steve Corson: "What we understand from DEQ is that this is a stand that lets them explore their options.  And we're pleased the proposal we put forward for a closure in 2020 is still on the table."

Environmental groups have urged a 2014 shutdown. PGE says it's not sure it can do that without giving ratepayers a sizeable rate hike.