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August 23, 2017

LBWL Agrees to Retire Erickson Coal Plant by 2025


FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

August 23, 2017

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Sierra Club Welcomes Commitment to Cleaner Energy

LANSING, Mich. - The Lansing Board of Water and Light (LBWL) will stop burning fossil fuels at its coal-fired Erickson Generating Station by December 2025 and commit to specific clean energy investments, under a settlement agreement announced today by Sierra Club. The agreement settles claims of Clean Air Act violations at LBWL’s Erickson and Eckert Generating Stations in Lansing, Michigan.

The agreement also makes enforceable LBWL’s previously announced plans to retire the Eckert plant by December 2020. Along with the confirmed retirements, LBWL has committed to adding at least 106 megawatts of new wind and solar energy generation by December 31, 2020.

Under the agreement, LBWL is further required to achieve a combined renewable energy-energy efficiency goal of 30 percent of their total retail sales by December 31, 2020, and 35 percent by December 31, 2025. LBWL will also establish a sustainability program designed to promote energy waste reduction or pollution prevention in the City of Lansing and surrounding community, with funding of at least $300,000.

“As an asthmatic who has suffered from the health impacts of burning coal for decades, I celebrate the positive impact today’s announcement will have on public health in our region.  This settlement clears the way for Lansing and LBWL to live up to their potential to be Michigan’s leading city in reaching clean energy and climate goals in coming decades,” said Anne Woiwode, Michigan Sierra Club volunteer leader. “We look forward to working hand in hand with Lansing to achieve that goal.”

Last year, Sierra Club conducted a groundbreaking public opinion poll showing that Lansing voters are strongly in favor of renewable energy and energy efficiency. Three quarters think their part of Michigan should be using more renewable energy (76%) and energy efficiency (75%).

“Today’s announcement is a positive step toward prioritizing Michigan’s clean air and water, as well as protecting public health in the Lansing area. We have an opportunity now to avoid environmental and health risks in a way we did not have when coal-burning power was the only option,” said Regina Strong, director of Sierra Club’s Beyond Coal Campaign in Michigan. “Over the past five years we have seen large-scale solar and wind outperform coal, and now we are seeing renewable energy become even more competitive. We are pleased to reach this agreement with LBWL, which will help meet Mayor Virg Bernero’s commitment to climate action consistent with the Paris climate accord. This will go a long way in moving Lansing area residents toward the clean energy future they deserve, one that puts public health first.”

“This is good news,” said Aaron Stephens, East Lansing community activist.  “Clean energy is important for the future of our region and I am pleased to see the Lansing Board of Water and Light take these critical steps that move us away from the harmful effects of burning coal and toward an increase in renewable energy.”

“This agreement between the Lansing Board of Water and Light and the Sierra Club will vastly improve the health outlook for thousands of area residents,” said Kindra Weid, RN, MPH and Coalition Coordinator of MI Air MI Health.  “Retiring both the Eckert and Erickson coal-fired power plants by the end of 2025 will drastically reduce releases of several toxic chemicals polluting Michigan’s air and water. These include sulfur dioxide, which is a known irritant to people suffering from chronic respiratory conditions, such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and asthma.  This is great news for our air and water quality and for public health. A healthier and cleaner future is possible!”

The Erickson plant retirement commitment accounts for the Sierra Club Beyond Coal Campaign’s 257th announced coal plant closure since 2010.

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About the Sierra Club
The Sierra Club is America’s largest and most influential grassroots environmental organization, with more than 2.7 million members and supporters. In addition to helping people from all backgrounds explore nature and our outdoor heritage, the Sierra Club works to promote clean energy, safeguard the health of our communities, protect wildlife, and preserve our remaining wild places through grassroots activism, public education, lobbying, and legal action. For more information, visit www.sierraclub.org.