PROPOSED drastic cuts in power station emission levels could wipe out half of Britain's pits.

Environment Agency chiefs dropped their bombshell on the coal industry with proposals to bring forward the deadline for an 84 per cent cut in sulphur dioxide from 2005 to 2001.

The plans have sent shock waves through the Selby complex.

The Agency's pollution inspectors say the revised deadline would improve air quality and help control acid rain.

Other proposals include substantial cuts in emissions of nitrogen oxides and particulates at coal-fired stations, with plants not meeting the new limits expected to close.

The Agency is asking for comments on its consultation document by March 10.

The new emission levels have been condemned by the UK Coal Producers group, while an industry insider said they would reduce coal burn at Britain's power stations by a half.

Selby MP John Grogan said the consequences for the coal industry were potentially disastrous, and he was seeking a meeting with the Agency.

He said: "We will be lobbying Ministers hard - the Government must intervene.

"These proposals would wipe out Eggborough and Ferrybridge power stations.

"Whatever else is done to help the industry, if these proposals go through, they would make other measures meaningless."

Selby district councillor Dean Howson, who works at Whitemoor Mine, said: "These revised deadlines would be the final nail in the coffin. Some lads are already looking for new jobs."

Ken Rowley, NUM secretary at Wistow Mine, said: "These pro seem to fly in the face of recent Government support for coal."National Power and PowerGensaid they would be commenting on the proposals.

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