USDA announces $240 million loan to 
Ohio utility to enhance air quality

LONDON, OH (09/23/05) -- Agriculture Secretary Mike Johanns has announced an electric utility loan of nearly $240 million to Buckeye Power Cooperative, Inc. to finance the installation of environmental control equipment.

"This loan supports the Bush Administration's goal of improving environmental quality," said Johanns. "Over the past 30 years, air pollution from the six major pollutants has decreased by 48 percent, while overall economic activity, population and energy consumption in the U.S. has increased sharply. The equipment financed through this loan will help build on this success by reducing emissions, benefiting the residents of Ohio and the eastern U.S."

Johanns made the announcement on September 20 prior to hosting the twentieth in a series of Farm Bill Forums in which members of the public are invited to express their views about farm and rural policy, in preparation for the development of the next farm bill in 2007.

The $239,760,000 in funds will be used by Buckeye Power to install a flue gas desulphurization facility, reducing sulfur dioxide emissions at its Cardinal power plant. The installation is required by the Clean Air Interstate Rule, which requires coal-burning power plants to reduce emissions of sulfur dioxide (SO2).