The announced closure of two Northeast Texas power generator units could be felt across the entire region should a new EPA rule go into effect early next year. 500 jobs could be cut unless Luminant is successful in its lawsuit to remove Texas from the new rule.
The Monticello power generating plants in Mt Pleasant, as well as the coal mines in Thermo and Winfield would be affected. In addition to these job losses at Luminant, the closures will mean that the counties and communities around the company's affected operations will see decreased tax contributions, indirect employment, support of local small businesses and other economic activity.
Luminant energy announced the plans to cut jobs Monday. The company has plants in Titus, Camp, Hopkins and Franklin counties.
ERCOT says if the new rules take effect on January 1st, power outages could occur.