Eds: APNewsNow.

RAPID CITY, S.D. (AP) A spokesman for the Big Stone II power plant that's planned in extreme northeast South Dakota says former Vice President Al Gore was irresponsible Wednesday in calling for the use of civil disobedience to stop the construction of some coal fired power plants.

Dan Sharp says Gore's call ignores the structured process that allows for public debate and government review of such plants to decide which projects are good and which are bad.

Big Stone II opponent Chuck Laszewski (luh-SHESS'-kee), of the Minnesota Center for Environmental Advocacy, says civil disobedience is not necessary at this point.

But he says Gore is right in saying coal-fired power plants are a "great danger to the world." Plant officials hope to get permits by early next year.

Information from: Charles Michael Ray, South Dakota Public Broadcasting (Copyright 2008 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.) APNP 09-26-08 1033CDT | save this article / add to your favorites list