AEP Disputes Study Linking Plants To 3,200 Deaths

American Electric Power is disputing a new study that claims pollution from its 26 coal-fired power plants caused up to 3,200 deaths last year.

The analysis was done for the New York-based Natural Resources Defense Council. It also estimated that the combined economic toll from the pollution emitted by AEP plants was as high as $24 billion in 2011.

The study also claims that AEP's plants caused more than 20,000 asthma attacks and more than 1 million lost work days last year.

The Columbus, Ohio-based electric company discounts the study. A spokesman says AEP has already devoted significant resources to making its coal-fired plants cleaner.

In Oklahoma, AEP operates two coal-fired power plants at its Northeastern Station in Oologah. The plants are run through Public Service Company of Oklahoma.