As we first told you the Omaha area’s transition from coal to natural gas is going slower than first anticipated, and now a key environmental group is fighting back.

The Omaha Public Power District’s North Omaha coal station was scheduled to be completely converted and shut down by the end of 2023.

But OPPD officials are advising the board that due to several factors, including supply chain issues, coal should remain on line three more years, until an unspecified time in 2026.

The Sierra Club is crying foul.

In a statement to NCN, the environmental group says, “We can't afford three more years burning coal. Now is the time to hold OPPD accountable.”

According to the utility, come 2026 the two remaining North Omaha coal units would switch over to natural gas, while two new natural gas generating stations would also be up and running.

But the Sierra Club warns the climate will suffer and North Omahans will see, “Three more years of increased asthma attacks, heart and lung disease, and premature deaths. Three more years of soot, smog, mercury, and other toxins.”

The OPPD Board is expected to vote on the delay next week.