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January 14, 2010
New Coal Plant will Hurt Michigan Wallets, Jobs, Health
Granholm Administration’s decision to OK Bay City plant will kill jobs; won’t protect families
LANSING – Clean energy and environmental groups today criticized Michigan’s Department of Environmental Quality for giving the green light to a controversial coal plant project in Bay City, and outlined the true costs of how the plant will drive up utility bills and hurt families and job creation.
“Consumers Energy is hiding the full and true cost of building a coal plant Michigan doesn’t need, that will saddle ratepayers with bigger bills and continue a dangerous legacy of harmful pollution,” Sierra Club Michigan Chapter Director Anne Woiwode said. “This air permit breaks Governor Granholm’s promise to our families to move us toward a clean energy economy. Thousands of people committed to Michigan’s future are rallying to fight this badly flawed decision because our jobs, our health and our future are at stake.”
The installed cost for the Consumers Energy coal plant has skyrocketed recently. In June 2007, total construction and financing costs were estimated at approximately $1.88 billion. In January 2009, Consumers Energy said the total installed cost for the coal plant would be $3.58 billion, which is a 90-percent spike in costs from its original estimates in less than two years. Publicly, however, Consumers has been citing a lower $2.72 billion construction cost, which is “deflated” to reflect an assumption that the plant commenced operation in 2009 as opposed to the actual proposed date of 2017. The Bay City coal plant’s hidden cost increases are typical of price over-runs in projects across the nation, which would be paid for by Consumers’ ratepayers if the plant moves forward.
“Consumers Energy is making a bad energy decision and sticking ratepayers like me with the tab for its mistake,” said Terry Miller, a Bay City ratepayer and member of the Lone Tree Council. “Michigan families should not be made to pay, in dollars and with our health, for a coal plant nobody wants or needs. This decision is a complete failure of leadership and a slap in the face to Michigan families who want a strong energy future.”
To get the new Bay City plant, Consumers has agreed to retire at least five older plants. But those plants have all been cited by the U.S. EPA for violating the Clean Air Act for decades and would almost certainly be shutdown in the near future. As such, the retirement deal allows Consumers to continue illegally polluting the air for the next almost eight years from a number of aging plants, and locks Michigan into thousands of tons of additional air pollution, and approximately seven million tons of additional carbon dioxide emissions, annually for the next 40 or more years. The deal also leaves Michigan with a number of aging dirty coal plants, including up to seven units that lack scrubbers to control sulfur dioxide or bag houses to limit particulate matter emissions, and up to four units that lack nitrogen oxide controls.
“Consumers Energy is playing a shell game with the health and future of Michigan families at a time when it should come clean and build a clean energy future,” said Shannon Fisk of the Natural Resources Defense Council. “Michigan will still pay a high price because of the many dirty coal plants that will remain in place. Consumers’ continued pursuit of the dirty coal energy of the past will saddle Michigan families with higher health costs and energy bills for generations to come.”
The groups called for investments in clean energy, which is one of the few bright spots in the tough economy. Clean energy investments are already creating thousands of jobs in Michigan today, and will create up to 42,000 jobs in Michigan and as many as 1.9 million jobs nationally by 2020, according to an October 2009 study by researchers at the University of Illinois, Yale University and the University of California-Berkley. In addition, these investments would increase annual household income in Michigan by $667 to $750 per year and boost GDP by $2 billion to $2.4 billion, the study says. Other studies have also shown that clean energy creates jobs at a faster rate than coal.
“Michigan had an opportunity to create clean energy jobs instead of joining the coal rush to an economic dead-end,” said Susan Harley of Clean Water Action. “Study after study shows that clean Michigan energy creates good-paying Michigan jobs at a faster rate and over a longer period of time. Michigan citizens deserve more 21st century jobs, not more job-killing coal plants.”
Resource: See the Natural Resources Defense Council Fact Sheet "The Proposed Consumers Coal Plant:
An Unnecessary Economic and Public Health Risk" January 2010
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TUESDAY, DECEMBER 29, 2009 Anne Woiwode, Sierra Club, 517-974-2112
Cyndi Roper, Clean Water Action, 517-490-1394
Josh Mogerman, Natural Resources Defense Council, 312-651-7909
David Holtz, Progress Michigan, 313-300-4454
Groups Sharply Criticize Granholm-Cherry Administration Approval of Coal Plant
Today's DEQ’s decision strikes blow to clean energy jobs
LANSING – Clean energy and environmental groups today criticized a decision today by Governor Granholm’s Department of Environmental Quality approving a controversial permit for a coal plant project in Bay City, a move that strikes a blow to clean energy investments and jobs in Michigan. The DEQ is expected to put off a decision on a pending permit application for a smaller coal plant in Rogers City.
“We are disappointed by the failure of Governor Granholm to keep her promise to move Michigan toward a clean energy economy. Thousands committed to Michigan’s future are rallying to fight this badly flawed decision at every step to get Michigan back on track toward a clean energy economy,” Sierra Club Michigan Chapter Director Anne Woiwode said.. “Governor Granholm’s DEQ had an important decision to make today and it failed the test of leadership. Building a coal plant Michigan doesn’t need near Bay City will saddle ratepayers with terrible costs and waste investors’ money. By approving the Bay City plant, the Granholm Administration will set back Michigan’s efforts to build a clean energy economy that can create good-paying jobs.”
The DEQ’s decision comes despite the Michigan Public Service Commission staff conclusion that Consumers Energy does not need a new baseload power plant until at least 2022, and that any electricity needs could be met through available cleaner sources, including efficiency and renewables. The MPSC staff also concluded that the proposed coal plant in Rogers City, requested by Wolverine Power, was not needed at all. The recommendations stemmed from the failure of the utilities to show that Michigan needs more energy in coming years. The utilities also failed to counter growing evidence that renewable energy – and not dirty coal – could meet future needs.
The Clean Air Act permit for a new Consumers' Bay City coal plant is expected to include language involving the decommissioning of older coal plants by Consumers, but environmental groups say the permit decision does nothing to push Consumers toward clean energy alternatives.
“Michigan is heading in the wrong direction with this unfortunate decision,” Clean Water Action Michigan Director Cyndi Roper said. “The federal government has declared coal pollutants a threat to human health. Every other state is investing in clean energy, creating jobs and turning away from coal. Michigan, on the other hand, is looking to the past and this decision threatens to keep us in the energy Dark Ages."
“The citizens of Michigan and the Bay City area will pay a steep price for this ill-advised decision,” Roper said. “The citizens of Michigan have said they don’t want any more coal plants and they will not accept half-measures. We will continue our fight. Michigan wants more jobs, not more coal plants that will empty our pockets and put our economic future at risk.”
Thousands of citizens had voiced opposition to the development of new dirty coal plants in Michigan, including the ones in Rogers City and Bay City. Citizens groups have repeatedly called on the government to reject permits to build new plants and invest instead in clean energy.
According to a report by the Natural Resources Defense Council, Michigan can meet its energy needs through a combination of wind power, solar and other renewable energy sources coupled with aggressive energy efficiency programs.[1] Among the NRDC’s findings:
- Energy efficiency program alone could save Michigan $3 billion in electricity costs over the next 20 years.
- Michigan’s previous energy plan, written in 2007, is out of date, with unrealistic projections of future electrical demand, limited implementation of energy efficiency and renewable energy, and reliance on outdated 20th century coal technologies.
- Clean renewable energy is less expensive, cleaner, faster, more economically robust, and creates more jobs in Michigan than a 20th century plan based on new but obsolete large power plants driven by fossil fuels.
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In Memorium: Calvin "Rusty" Gates, 1955 - 2009
ODE TO A FRIEND OF THE RIVER
Still shadows start to lengthen,
Beneath the setting sun.
The hungry trout are risin’,
Down on Rusty’s Run.
The River flows with magic
Of spinner, nymph and dun.
Hatches fill the evening skies,
Down on Rusty’s Run.
The River calls to anglers
While paddlers have their fun.
Browns hide under cedar bows,
Down on Rusty’s Run.
The River has her history
Of battles fought and won.
Brookies flash their gratitude,
Down on Rusty’s Run.
The Au Sable has touched many
And loves her favorite son.
We’ll fish with him forever,
Down on Rusty’s Run.
by Lorne Beatty, December 2009
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CONSERVATIONISTS AND ANGLERS HONOR THE LIFE OF LEGENDARY MICHIGAN RIVER KEEPER RUSTY GATES
GRAYLING, MICHIGAN -- Celebrated conservationist and fly-fisherman Calvin "Rusty" Gates Jr. died on December 19, 2009 at his home on the banks of the Au Sable River in Grayling, Michigan after a lengthy battle with lung cancer. He was 54 years old. Gates served as president of the Anglers of the Au Sable from its inception in 1987 until 2009. During this time he and his organization won several landmark legal cases in coldwater conservation.
“Rusty was a true treasure,” said Rebecca Humphries, Director of the Michigan Department of Natural Resources. “He loved the Holy Waters of the Au Sable and shared that love with countless individuals. He taught us that it is our duty to respect the resource and to protect it. His love of the river lives on in all of us. I have been truly blessed to know Rusty.”
Gates was the proprietor of Gates Au Sable Lodge, and an iconic fly-fishing personality. Rusty's father Cal Gates Sr. moved his family to Grayling in 1970 and, along with his wife Mary, purchased the lodge on the banks of the Au Sable River. Cal Sr. had taught high school music, and Rusty played trombone in high school. But soon his passion for fly-fishing occupied most of his time. He began tying flies professionally at the age of 17, as well as guiding. At first Gates' flies were sold in the corner of the restaurant at the lodge, but soon demand was great enough that the Gates family added a full-service fly-shop to the lodge. Eventually Rusty bought the lodge and operated it with his wife Julie, who ran the restaurant.
“Of all the strong conservationists in our world, Rusty was one of the toughest. He was tireless, and he was like a missile in his precision and deadly accuracy. Yet he never, ever, wanted credit for anything—just for the various groups he worked with, especially the Anglers of the Au Sable,” said Tom Rosenbauer, winner of the 2001 National Outdoor Book Award, and Marketing Director for the Orvis Company.
Gates Lodge is a place where thousands of anglers gather annually during fly fishing season from April through autumn. Rusty and Julie could be found there at all hours, tending to the smallest details of fly tying and gourmet cooking. With classical music playing in the background, the fly shop buzzed with patrons’ latest stories from the nearby woods and waters. Coffee flowed freely as anglers bent over the dozens of boxes of flies, hoping to pick correctly for the day ahead. Rusty Gates presided over the daily scene with eagle eyes, a wry grin, and measured words. Fishing tips from this master were earned, not purchased. This tradition, while changed forever by Rusty’s passing, will continue in 2010 as Gates Lodge remains in business under the leadership of fly shop manager Josh Greenberg, who has worked for Rusty for the last 15 years.
“Rusty proved that people don't fill their gas tank to fill their fry pan. They put on their waders to nourish their soul. Rusty did that for all of us, and our great-great-great grandkids. Sure, they won't know it, but when one of them flips an Adams, or a Trico, over a rising brown in 2109 it will have Rusty’s name etched on it,” said Glen Sheppard, author/editor of the conservation newspaper The North Woods Call.
The quiet, unassuming Gates' soon gained recognition for his expertise in fly-fishing, as well as his honesty and willingness to defend the resource. He developed a number of fly-patterns that became standard Au Sable fly patterns, introduced scores of people to the world of fly-fishing, and began to combine angling and conservation in such a way as to involve himself in some of the most influential coldwater issues in Michigan . In 1995 he was awarded the coveted Fly Rod and Reel Magazine “Angler of the Year” award for his conservation and cultural contributions to the sport of fly-fishing.
"Rusty Gates was a brave, smart, tireless champion of wild trout and beautiful, magic places they abide. He lead by example; and he has touched and inspired us all," said Ted Williams, noted Conservation Editor for Fly Rod and Reel.
In a legal case that would define his commitment to the Au Sable River, in 2003 Gates, as President of the Anglers of the Au Sable, challenged a US Forest Service lease that would allow exploratory drilling for gas below the famed Mason Tract section of the South Branch of the Au Sable. With the odds stacked against them, the Anglers prevailed in their case against the Forest Service, forever altering how the business of gas and oil exploration would be conducted in the fragile areas of Michigan.
"While Rusty will mainly be remembered for his role in protecting the Au Sable, he changed forever the way we look at and work to protect our water resources and wildlife. We owe it to Rusty to carry on his work and make sure children in every generation to come will be able to share the wonder and joy in Michigan’s wild places that are his legacy," said Sierra Club Michigan Chapter Director Anne Woiwode.
Calvin "Rusty" Gates, Jr. will be missed by the many who knew him. He was an intensely private man who could, when needed, organize hundreds of people around a cause. Considered by many as one of the most talented fundraisers and recruiters they'd ever met, Rusty will be remembered for his uninhibited love for the river and the river valley, and his steadfastness in doing what he and many others considered right and necessary for the resource. He is survived by his wife Julie, their children, and a large extended family.
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November 19, 2009
Petition Urges Consumers Energy CEO to Go Beyond Coal
Proposed coal plant is a bad investment, job killer for Michigan
LANSING – Concerned Consumers Energy ratepayers and watchdog groups today launched a statewide petition drive calling on Consumers Energy CEO David Joos to drop the utility’s push for a new coal plant, calling it a job killer and a bad investment for stockholders, ratepayers and Michigan’s future.
In stops across the state, the groups invited citizens to sign the petition and join the effort to invest in 21st century energy jobs by moving away from coal, an outdated energy source. Sign the petition by here.
“Michigan has a tradition of hard work and looking forward, and together we can look forward to a future of clean Michigan energy that is creating Michigan jobs for Michigan workers,” Sierra Club Michigan Director Anne Woiwode said. “Coal is a bad investment, and a risk to both stockholders and ratepayers. Clean energy is quickly on its way to creating more jobs than coal ever will. That’s why we’re inviting Michigan citizens to tell Consumers CEO David Joos to end the coal rush and help us invest instead in a strong clean energy future for Michigan.”
Despite a recommendation from Michigan Public Service Commission staff that there are many good alternatives to building a new coal plant near Bay City, Consumers is continuing to pursue the project. Construction of the Bay City plant could cost ratepayers at least an estimated $2.6 billion, with billions more over its lifetime spent on dirty coal, carbon costs and environmental impacts.
“Coal is outdated technology that will increase rates for fewer Michigan jobs and more pollution,” Clean Water Action Michigan Director Cyndi Roper said. “Consumers Energy ratepayers and Michigan workers deserve better. They deserve a future that will keep electric costs down, create Michigan jobs and strengthen our energy independence.”
Clean energy investments will create up to 42,000 jobs in Michigan and as many as 1.9 million jobs nationally by 2020, according to a study by researchers at the University of Illinois, Yale University and the University of California-Berkley. In addition, these investments would increase annual household income in Michigan by $667 to $750 per year and boost GDP by $2 billion to $2.4 billion, according to the collaborative study unveiled in October.
“Michigan families are hungry for 21st century clean energy jobs,” Gussie Farris, a Consumers Energy rate payer from Grand Rapids said. “In the spirit of Thanksgiving, we urge Consumers CEO David Joos to help create the gift of clean energy jobs for Michigan families and help move our economy into the future.”
According to a September report by the Natural Resources Defense Council, Michigan can meet its energy needs through a combination of wind power, biomass, and other renewable energy sources coupled with aggressive energy efficiency programs. Among the NRDC’s findings:
- Energy efficiency programs could save Michigan $3 billion in electricity costs over the next 20 years.
- Michigan’s previous energy plan, written in 2007, is out of date, with unrealistic projections of future electrical demand, limited implementation of energy efficiency and renewable energy, and reliance on outdated 20th century coal technologies.
- Clean renewable energy is less expensive, cleaner, faster, more economically robust, and creates more jobs in Michigan than a 20th century plan based on new but obsolete large power plants driven by fossil fuels.
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Give Ratepayers a Break!
Citizens’ Groups React to CMS Quarterly Report
JACKSON, MI – While Michigan residents struggle to find the money to pay their electric bills, CMS Energy announced their quarterly profits this afternoon. The company gave no indication that they would stop reckless spending on an unnecessary and risky coal-fired power plant or do away with plans to make ratepayers foot the bill for the plant, despite announcing that profits are down for the third quarter compared to the same period last year.
In a call with shareholders and financial analysts today, CMS CEO David Joos blamed the continued reduction in profits on "the continuing downturn in the state's economy," according to a CMS press release. He also cited "reduced electricity demand" as adversely affecting the energy giant's bottom line.
For the first nine months of 2009, CMS Energy had reported net income of $216 million, or $0.92 per share, compared to reported net income of $224 million, or $0.94 per share, for the first nine months of 2008.
" Michigan ’s working families have been hit hard by this recession and can’t afford to pick up the tab for an expensive and dirty coal-fired power plant," said Patty Gillis from Voices for Earth Justice. “We need a break, and CMS Energy should put more of those earnings into energy efficiency to help businesses and homes cut electric bills and pollution at the same time.”
CMS affiliate Consumers Energy is seeking approval for a $2.6 billion coal-fired power plant at the site of existing coal plants in Essexville. Changes in state law secured by utilities last year will allow rate increases to go into effect on electric customers while the plant is being built, even though no new electricity would be available until at least 2017. In addition, residential Consumers Energy customers will receive the highest rate increases among customer classes as a result of the new law, with estimates of rate jumps as high as 30%, or in line with rate increases recently requested by WE Energies in the western U.P. to pay for new coal plants in Wisconsin .
Additional rate increases are also expected to be requested by Consumers Energy to clean up arsenic and other toxins spewing into Saginaw Bay from leaking coal ash waste pits on the Essexville site. In addition, Consumers Energy is currently fighting the Michigan Public Service Commission’s efforts to return more than $13 million in overpayments for tree trimming and fuel costs to ratepayers as required in a 2005 order. Just as the economy begins to recover, businesses and families that get their power from Consumers Energy will end up stuck with higher bills for more pollution.
“This rate increase is one of more to come that is unnecessary when people can’t afford more increases on their electricity,” said Walt Bryden of Bay County Group Citizens Exploring Clean Energy.
Citizens also reacted to Joos statement that the company would "continue to focus on providing customers with…affordable energy service in the most efficient and cost-effective manner."
“Earning profits on the backs of Michigan businesses and families while putting more pollution into our water and air is not the right direction for CMS Energy shareowners,” said Anne Woiwode of the Sierra Club. “Instead of replacing aging infrastructure with more dirty coal, CMS Energy has the opportunity to earn returns on large capital investments in energy efficiency and clean energy, unleashing innovation and creating thousands of jobs for Michigan workers in new industries.” As part of a review of need for the proposed coal plant, Public Service Commission staff recently reported that alternatives such as energy efficiency and clean energy could meet future needs for Consumers Energy.
“Raising our rates for an unnecessary and dirty coal plant in order to earn more profits for David Joos and CMS Energy is the wrong direction for Michigan ’s economy,” continued Gillis, “Give us a break.”
"Their solution is to ask us to pay more for something we don't need? How absurd," said David Holtz, Executive Director of Progress Michigan. Holtz added that the company should be increasing its investment in energy efficiency and clean, renewable energy to help customers make ends meet and create new family-supporting jobs in these challenging economic times.
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Wednesday, September 30, 2009
Lawmakers Applauded For Rejecting DEQ Budget Cuts
Democrats, Lone Republican Showed Courage In Opposing Leader’s Spending Plan
LANSING, MI--Michigan Democratic lawmakers—including those who bucked their party’s leaders and rejected deep funding cuts to water, air and land protection programs—were hailed today as heroes by leading environmental groups. Also singled out for praise was state Sen. Valde Garcia, a Livingston County Republican who was the lone GOP vote against the environmental funding cuts.
“The 40 state representatives and 16 senators who voted against the worst modern-day attack on Michigan environmental programs showed wisdom, courage and reflected the best of Michigan’s values Tuesday,” said Anne Woiwode, Michigan Director of Sierra Club. “All of us owe them our gratitude and respect.”
Cyndi Roper, Michigan Director of Clean Water Action, said the majority of House Democrats who rejected the all-cuts budget for the Department of Environmental Quality especially deserve the thanks of Michigan residents who care about the quality of their water, air and land. Those 40 representatives stood in opposition to Speaker Andy Dillon’s proposed budget.
“To quote one of my favorite characters from Harry Potter, ‘It takes a great deal of bravery to stand up to your enemies, but a great deal more to stand up to your friends,’ “said Roper. “Elected officials like Rep. Sarah Roberts and Rep. Rebekah Warren showed what real leadership is all about—doing what’s best for Michigan even if it’s not popular with their party’s leadership.”
Sierra Club and Clean Water Action have called on the governor to veto the joint DEQ and Department of Natural Resources budget and said that if state government fails to fund critical air and water programs in the days ahead, the federal Environmental Protection Agency should take over all water and air quality enforcement and permitting activities. More than $196 million was cut from the joint state Department of Environmental Quality and Department of Natural Resources budget.
Fifteen Senate Democrats, led by Minority Leader Mike Prussi, voted against the environmental budget cuts. In the House, a majority of Democrats opposed the cuts. They were:
Rep. Kathy Angerer, Rep. Douglas Geiss, Rep. Burton Leland, Rep. Roy Schmidt, Rep.Vicki Barnett, Rep. Vincent Gregory, Rep. LaMar Lemmons Jr., Rep. Bettie Cook Scott, Rep. Joan Bauer, Rep. Jennifer Haase, Rep. Ellen Lipton, Rep. Dan Scripps, Rep. Timothy Bledsoe, Rep. Harold Haugh, Rep. Lesia Liss, Rep. Kate Segal, Rep. Lisa Brown, Rep. Mike Huckleberry, Rep. Mark Meadows, Rep. Dian Slavens, Rep. Pam Byrnes, Rep. Shanelle Jackson, Rep. Tim Melton, Rep. Alma Smith, Rep. Barb Byrum, Rep. Bert Johnson, Rep. Fred Miller, Rep. Rashida Tlaib, Rep. Andy Coulouris, Rep. Robert Jones, Rep. David Nathan, Rep. Mary Valentine, Rep. Marie Donigan, Rep. Andrew Kandrevas, Rep. Andy Neumann, Rep. Rebkah Warren, Rep. Fred Durhal Jr., Rep. Deb Kennedy, Rep. Sarah Roberts, Rep. Coleman Young II
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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE CONTACT:
Wednesday, September 29, 2009 Cyndi Roper 517-490-1394
Anne Woiwode 517-974-2112
Water, Air and Land At Risk With Deep Budget Cuts
Groups Call For Veto, Say Pure Michigan Ads Should Be Dropped, Feds Brought In To Take Over Enforcement
LANSING, MI--Michigan’s two largest environmental groups said today that the elimination of the state’s Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ), along with deep cuts in environmental funding by the Legislature, means the state has effectively turned over Michigan’s natural resources to polluters.
Sierra Club and Clean Water Action called on the governor to veto the joint DEQ and Department of Natural Resources budget and said that if state government fails to fund critical air and water programs in the days ahead, the federal Environmental Protection Agency should take over all water and air quality enforcement and permitting activities.
“It’s open season on Michigan’s water, air and land, and from a budget standpoint entirely unnecessary. There were other choices,” said Cyndi Roper of Clean Water Action. “It is not an exaggeration to say the Legislature has completely bent to the will of corporate polluters who saw an opportunity in this budget crisis to destroy environmental protection in this state. It’s a complete failure of leadership from both political parties.”
Since 1996 the DEQ has seen funding adjusted for inflation decrease by $156.9 million, reflecting a disproportionate drop in budgets compared to other parts of state government.
“With the Legislature’s cuts this week we will now see even more polluted rivers and beaches, dirtier air, less wildlife and more toxic waste,” said Anne Woiwode, Michigan Director of Sierra Club. “Michigan’s tourism economy will suffer and residents will get sicker. It’s time to pull the Pure Michigan ads off TV or else someone’s going to file a complaint charging the state with deceptive advertising.”
With Tuesday’s action by the House, the Legislature, with Governor Granholm’s support, has now voted to eliminate the Department of Environmental Quality and transfer all of its programs to the Department of Natural Resources, while cutting funding for 2010 by $195.6 million.
Lawmakers yesterday took a budget axe to water, air and other environmental programs. Dozens of environmental and natural resource enforcement officers will be cut from an already barebones enforcement staff. Moreover, the new DNR will not only take on what’s left of environmental programs. It is also now shouldered with managing museums, art and library programs as part of the elimination of another state agency in the 2010 budget.
“Somehow the Legislature found $6 million to fund the state fair, but Michigan’s Great Lakes legacy is flushed down the drain,” said David Holtz of Progress Michigan. “That’s not Pure Michigan. That’s pure B.S.”
Said Woiwode: “Michigan residents have to wonder the next time a stash of barrels containing toxic chemicals are found in their neighborhood, will there be anyone to respond to the call for help? That’s the DEQ’s job. What will happen the next time toxic yellow fumes begin billowing out of a nearby factory? It’s DEQ’s job to respond to these emergencies. Already, funding cuts have prevented the DEQ from stopping disasters like the destruction of 12 miles of the Black River from an animal factory sewage discharge. What will happen with more cuts?”
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September 8, 2009
Citizens Win after State Agency Deals a Death Blow to Coal Plants
MPSC staff says no need for new coal plants in Michigan until at least 2022
LANSING – Concerned citizens declared a major victory today after the Michigan Public Service Commission staff dealt a death blow to two controversial dirty coal plant projects, rejecting in a filing today the construction of one in Rogers City and delaying a decision on a second one in Bay City until 2022.
“These critical decisions mean Michigan is ready to open the door to clean energy jobs and walk away from dirty coal,” Sierra Club-Michigan Executive Director Anne Woiwode said. “For years, the people of Michigan spoke loud and clear: No more dirty coal and yes to clean renewable energy. And today, the citizens of Michigan have a much-deserved victory in the fight to build a strong, clean energy future.”
Environmental leaders credited a portion of today’s victory to Governor Granholm’s decision last year to submit the coal decision to a rigorous review by Michigan Public Service Commission (MPSC) staff and the state Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ).
After receiving over 8,000 comments and technical filings, the MPSC staff advised the DEQ in a filing today that there is no need for the power from a proposed coal plant in Rogers City, requested by Wolverine Power Supply Cooperative. The agency staff also advised that the proposed expansion of Consumers Energy’s Karn Weadock plant in Essexville was not needed until at least 2022, five years after Consumers’ original proposed start date. The recommendations stemmed from the failure of the utilities to show that Michigan needs more energy in coming years. The utilities also failed to counter growing evidence that renewable energy and energy efficiency – and not dirty coal – could meet future needs.
“Now that we have beaten back the threat of dirty coal, Michigan can begin the work of building a full-fledged 21st century energy future driven by clean renewable energy, and create good-paying jobs in the process,” Clean Water Action-Michigan Director Cyndi Roper said. “By 2020, Michigan will be a leader in clean energy technology, our nation will have tough new clean energy laws and stronger pollution standards will be in place. Michigan now has a tremendous opportunity to fully invest in clean energy, not dirty coal, to attract new jobs and move Michigan forward.”
“This report shows that clean energy can power Michigan’s future,” said Faith Bugel, Senior Attorney at the Environmental Law & Policy Center. “We’ve been sending our money down a mineshaft for too long. Moving away from outdated coal power will build our economy and protect our environment. The citizens of Michigan deserve applause for standing up for a clean energy future.”
Thousands of comments were submitted in opposition to the development of the Rogers City and Bay City new dirty coal plants in Michigan. Citizens groups have repeatedly called on the government to reject permits to build new plants and invest instead in clean energy.
A final decision on whether to grant Clean Air Act permits to Wolverine and Consumers Energy rests with the state Department of Environmental Quality, which promises a ruling by the end of the year.
According to a new report by the Natural Resources Defense Council, Michigan can meet its energy needs through a combination of wind power, biomass, and other renewable energy sources coupled with aggressive energy efficiency programs. The report was issued as the Michigan Public Service Commission prepares to make recommendations to the Department of Environmental Quality on the need for power and availability of cleaner alternative to coal, following the end of a public comments period. Among the NRDC’s findings:
- Energy efficiency program alone could save Michigan $3 billion in electricity costs over the next 20 years.
- Michigan’s previous energy plan, written in 2007, is out of date, with unrealistic projections of future electrical demand, limited implementation of energy efficiency and renewable energy, and reliance on outdated 20th century coal technologies.
- Clean renewable energy is less expensive, cleaner, faster, more economically robust, and creates more jobs in Michigan than a 20th century plan based on new but obsolete large power plants driven by fossil fuels.
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Tuesday, Aug. 18, 2009
Citizens urge Granholm to reject dirty coal amid public opposition
New study shows Michigan benefits all around from clean energy, energy efficiency as thousands oppose dirty coal projects
Lansing – With 8,000 citizens opposing the development of new dirty coal plants in Michigan, citizens groups are calling on Gov. Jennifer Granholm to reject permits to build new plants and invest instead in clean energy – something a landmark new report recommends could jumpstart Michigan’s economy and create jobs.
The public comment period for the last of two coal plant proposals ended Monday and now a decision on the plants rests with the Granholm administration.
“The people of Michigan have spoken and the message is loud and clear: No dirty coal, more clean renewable energy, “ Clean Water Action–Michigan Executive Director Cyndi Roper said. “Gov. Jennifer Granholm slowed the rush to build new coal plants by forcing the coal and power industry to prove there were no feasible and prudent alternatives to meet Michigan’s energy needs – and they failed. Now we call on her to take the only possible next step and that’s rejecting the two dirty coal plant proposals in Rogers City by Wolverine Power Supply Cooperative and Bay City by Consumers Energy. We also call on her to help set in motion the decommissioning of some existing dirty coal plants owned by Consumers Energy that the company identifies as the ‘oldest fleet in the nation.’ ”
According to a new report by the Natural Resources Defense Council, Michigan can meet its energy needs through a combination of wind power, biomass, and other renewable energy sources coupled with aggressive energy efficiency programs. The report comes as the Michigan Public Service Commission prepares to make recommendations to the Department of Environmental Quality on the need for power and availability of cleaner alternative to coal, following the end of a public comments period. Among the NRDC’s findings:
• Energy efficiency program alone could save Michigan $3 billion in electricity costs over the next 20 years.
• Michigan’s previous energy plan, written in 2007, is out of date, with unrealistic projections of future electrical demand, limited implementation of energy efficiency and renewable energy, and reliance on outdated 20th century coal technologies.
• Clean renewable energy is less expensive, cleaner, faster, more economically robust, and creates more jobs in Michigan than a 20th century plan based on new but obsolete large power plants driven by fossil fuels.
“Gov. Jennifer Granholm has the opportunity to set Michigan on the path to clean energy and away from building any new dirty coal plants that will send Michigan backwards,” said Sierra Club Michigan Chapter Director Anne Woiwode. “The governor has been leading the charge to turn Michigan into a hub of clean energy production for the nation. Doing so will create thousands of jobs in the rapidly growing field of renewable energy and protect our land, air and water. It’s a win-win for Michigan – and this landmark new Natural Resources Defense Council report shows how.”
The citizens groups called on Granholm to put the final nail in the coffin for the new coal plant projects in Michigan after the DEQ ended public comments on the proposed Bay City coal plant on August 11 and one in Rogers City Monday. At one point, Michigan faced up to eight possible new coal plants – more than any other state. Intense public pressure campaigns prevented a rubber stamp of at least three coal projects, including Rogers City and Bay City. Citizens also called on the governor to begin decommissioning Consumers Energy’s oldest, most polluting coal plants.
“Closing the door to coal plants will protect public health and create 21st Century clean energy jobs,” Progress Michigan Executive Director David Holtz said. “Governor Jennifer Granholm has led the charge to build a clean energy future for Michigan. She can help us win the battle against dirty coal once and for all by walking away from coal permanently and investing our resources and our talents in wind, solar and other forms of renewable clean energy.”
Clean Water Action, Sierra Club and NRDC were joined by a number of other organizations in challenging the proposed coal permits, including the Environmental Law & Policy Center.
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House Agriculture Passes Sham Animal Welfare Bills
Sierra Club Press Statement by Gayle Miller, Legislative Director
July 27, 2009
Today the House Agriculture Committee passed a package of so-called Animal Welfare bills over the strong objections of the environmental community, the Michigan Farmers Union representing small, non-industrialized farms, the State Bar of Michigan, faith groups, animal welfare organizations and more. Four of the six democrats on the committee opposed the bills or passed when the vote was taken.
The bills set up an expensive and unnecessary regulatory process requiring all farms in the state – from animal factories on down to hobby farmers – to hire auditors to oversee the way they care for their animals. The farm audit system established in the bills specifies that the auditor work for the farm, and not the people of Michigan, creating an immediate conflict of interest. What’s worse, all information collected by the auditor stays on the farm, guaranteeing that the public can learn nothing about the food they eat.
After four hours of vigorous debate in the committee, and vocal opposition by Rep. Vicki Barnett (D-Farmington Hills), even the Department of Agriculture agreed that the state already has the authority to require better standards for animal welfare. The bills, however, actually put implementation of existing animal welfare standards on hold until 2020, delaying compliance with care standards that should already be in place – meaning the bills are a stall tactic.
Representatives Barnett and Valentine (D-Muskegon) urged Chairman Simpson (D-Jackson) to postpone a vote on the bills so that a workgroup could be established that would include a broader section of the public and farming community. However, the bills as passed by the Committee today were negotiated behind closed doors between the Chairman, the Farm Bureau and industrial producer groups. Other groups were not invited.
The Sierra Club is particularly concerned with the self-regulatory audit program. Similar programs suggesting how animal factories operate have for years enabled CAFOs to cause severe air and water pollution in rural communities while preventing rural residents and communities from protecting their public health.
Fundamentally the package of bills is designed to keep the public from knowing how their food is produced. The horrific conditions often found within animal factories will not be solved by this package, but will instead allow business to continue as usual. The public will have less, not more, information and confidence in the quality of their food if these bills pass.
People who have first-hand knowledge of CAFO-style food production are seeking alternatives – thus the boom in farm markets and direct, farm-to-consumer marketing. Unfortunately, the small producers feeding these hungry markets will be unfairly burdened by these new regulations.
The Farm Bureau and industrial agriculture have fought meaningful regulation for years. The fact that these groups are now asking for additional regulation should raise a red flag.
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