About 375 workers in Hempstead County will return to work Monday after the Arkansas Pollution Control and Ecology Commission voted 7-1 to allow construction of a coal-fired power plant while its air permit is under appeal.

Friday’s decision served as a victory for Southwestern Electric Power Co., which argued that a four-month delay in building the $1.6 billion facility—the expected length of time for the commission to review the permit—would cost at least $63 million and ultimately raise electric rates.

“We are pleased the commission agreed that continuing construction...

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