Controversial coal-fired power plant in Alberta gets the go-ahead

A controversial coal-fired power plant is getting the go-ahead in Alberta without a requirement to lower its greenhouse gas emissions.

Calgary-based Maxim Power has received final approval from the province's electricity regulator for a $1.7-billion expansion of its plant near Grande Cache.

Environmental groups had filed a court challenge of the project's interim approval.

They said the Alberta Utilities Commission rushed the approval to help the company avoid upcoming federal rules on carbon emissions.

Chris Severson-Baker of the environmental think-tank Pembina Institute says his group is considering a further legal challenge.

Commission spokesman Jim Law says the proposal was given a thorough and fair review under rules that are in effect now.

Maxim's plant would emit about twice the carbon dioxide of an equivalent natural-gas-fired plant.