Moore and Perdue got it right on Cliffside

State Treasurer Richard Moore and Lt. Gov. Beverly Perdue deserve unmitigated praise -- without the qualifications in your Jan. 27 editorial "Powerful issue" -- for asking regulators to hold off on permitting a new coal-fired power plant west of Charlotte.

The facts are on the candidates' side: Through available, affordable conservation measures, utilities and their regulators could help customers cut energy use by at least 14 percent, more than offsetting the need for a new plant. Meanwhile, pollution from power plants run on fossil fuels is the single greatest contributor to global warming, and scientists are clear that the United States must reduce its emissions by 80 percent or more by mid-century if we are to avoid the worst climate effects. Yet the additional Cliffside plant -- even though it will replace smaller, retiring units -- would still increase carbon dioxide pollution by 4 million tons or more annually.

When you find yourself in a hole, the first thing you should do is stop digging. Yes, Moore and Perdue should provide more details about their comprehensive energy plans for the state. But kudos to them for recognizing that, first, we should put down the shovel.

Elizabeth Ouzts

State director, Environment North Carolina

Raleigh