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Showing posts with label Coal. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Coal. Show all posts
January 9, 2020
January 8, 2020
Struggling to breathe in 48217, Michigan’s most toxic ZIP code
This is the first in a series of stories exploring environmental racism in Michigan.
Carmen Garrison avoids the outdoors because she's certain the air is poisoning her.
As a kid, she often threw up and had a headache after walking to school in southwest Detroit. More than three decades later, her eyes burn, her throat hurts, and her nose runs if she takes even a short stroll down the road.
August 23, 2017
LBWL Agrees to Retire Erickson Coal Plant by 2025
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
August 23, 2017
Contact:Emily Rosenwasser, Emily.Rosenwasser@sierraclub.org, 720-308-6055 Ricky Junquera, Ricky.Junquera@sierraclub.org, (617) 599-7048
Sierra Club Welcomes Commitment to Cleaner EnergyLANSING, 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.###About the Sierra ClubThe 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.
October 5, 2016
Reps. Roberts and Irwin Propose Stronger Fracking Laws
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Wednesday, Oct. 5, 2016
|
Contact: Rep.
Sarah Roberts
Phone: (517)-373-1180
Contact: Rep. Jeff
Irwin
Phone: (734)-834-7152
|
Bills
would protect air, water and soil from fracking waste
LANSING
— State Representatives Sarah
Roberts (D-St. Clair Shores) and Jeff
Irwin (D-Ann Arbor) have announced a six-bill package of legislation to address
threats to Michigan’s land, air and water as a result of fracking. Together,
these bills address gaps in Michigan laws regarding the disposal of fracking
waste and the leakage of methane at drilling sites.
“Other
states are seeing fracking operations that dump waste, pollute the air and
water, and are possibly causing earthquakes,” said Rep. Roberts. “In Michigan,
we need to update our oil and gas laws to ensure we protect our environment and
the public’s health.”
“Disposing
of fracking waste is one of the biggest threats to our water,” said Nic Clark
of Clean Water Action. “These bills protect water quality by prohibiting any
dumping in groundwater aquifers and by enacting strict standards for
radioactive fracking waste.”
The
bills in the package would:
·
Ban radioactive fracking waste from
landfills if the radioactivity exceeds strict limits
·
Require that water used in the fracking
process be in compliance with state guidelines and be cleaned up before disposal
·
Ban fracking operations from injecting
fracking wastes or water into an aquifer
·
Require oil and gas well operators to
use methane recapture systems to reduce methane released by 99 percent
·
Prohibit oil and gas wells from burning
off (flaring) methane emissions
·
Require oil and gas well operators to
set up a system to check for leaks of dangerous gases on a regular basis and
promptly repair any leaks found.
“Michigan
is planning to meet the requirements of the Clean Power Plan by switching from
coal to natural gas and renewable energy sources,” said Mike Berkowitz of the
Sierra Club. “But methane released from the extraction of gas and oil is 20 times
more damaging to the climate than carbon dioxide, so we need to ensure gas
isn’t leaking from sloppily drilled wells.”
“Michigan
deserves solid rules to protect water quality and prevent wasteful or careless
drilling practices,” said Rep. Irwin. “Preventing methane leaks is important to
combat climate change, and it also ensures that oil and gas drillers are
running professional operations that are respectful of our air and water.”
For
more information about fracking, the bills in the package or to sign a petition
supporting the legislation, go to www.protectmiwater.com.
###
May 20, 2016
Groundbreaking New Poll to Measure Community Attitudes on a Proactive Plan to Phase out BWL’s Coal Powered Plants
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
May 20, 2016
TELEPRESSER:
Friday, May 20, 2016 at 12:15 PM ET
DIAL-IN:
Phone: 1-(888)-632-3382
Passcode: Lansing (spoken to operator)
ALL POLLING DOCUMENTS
“These findings show an across the board support for maximizing clean energy and energy efficiency. We should be willing to at least consider the question of, what is the economic capacity for both wind and solar projects within the system for a Lansing energy future. If over time that answer results in lower rates and a cleaner environment then, I think the process for deciding where we will get our energy going forward would not be complete. We have an opportunity now, when retiring all of our coal generated power, to replace aged out generation with whatever makes the most sense for the people of our community.”
Media Contacts:
Groundbreaking New Poll to Measure Community Attitudes on a Proactive Plan to Phase out BWL’s Coal Powered Plants
Poll highlights overwhelming support for a move away from coal and toward renewable energy and energy efficiency.
Lansing, MI -- Lansing Board of Water and Light (LBWL) is the largest municipal utility in the state of Michigan. The utility serves Lansing, Michigan’s Capital city, as well as the town of East Lansing and the surrounding townships of Delta, Delhi, Meridian and DeWitt. LBWL has demonstrated some willingness to respond to community concerns. Beginning last fall, the utility brought together a Citizen’s Advisory Committee (CAC) and held a series of public meetings to consider options for power generation going forward. LBWL has indicated its intention to close the remaining units of the Eckert power plant but has not addressed the fate of the Erickson plant.
Global Strategy Group (GSG), a leading national polling firm, recently conducted a 400-interview survey of registered voters in Lansing, East Lansing, and Lansing Township between May 11th and May 12th, 2016 on behalf of the Sierra Club’s Beyond Coal Campaign to measure support for a transition away from coal in Lansing.
Global Strategy Group (GSG), a leading national polling firm, recently conducted a 400-interview survey of registered voters in Lansing, East Lansing, and Lansing Township between May 11th and May 12th, 2016 on behalf of the Sierra Club’s Beyond Coal Campaign to measure support for a transition away from coal in Lansing.
That polling found 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%). On the other hand, only 40% think their part of Michigan should be using more natural gas power, and a strong majority feel that it should use less coal (64%).
- Support for both proposals independently is high, but the proposal with the 100% renewable goal has much more intense support. The 100% renewable proposal (72% support) and the Lansing Board of Water and Light’s proposal (68% support) are equally well-supported at the broadest level, but only 32% strongly support the LBWL proposal, while 47% strongly support the 100% renewable proposal.
- Pitted against each other, the 100% renewable proposal comes out on top by a solid margin (51% support 100% renewable/32% support LBWL).
- Further, voters’ preference here is durable, withstanding after voters hear arguments from both sides. After they hear a message in support of each proposal, levels of support in the head-to-head choice remain essentially the same, with the 100% renewable proposal increasing its lead by four points (53% support 100% renewable/30% support LBWL).
After reviewing the findings of Sierra Club’s commissioned Lansing poll, Brad van Guilder, Sierra Club Michigan Beyond Coal Campaign's Lansing Organizer said,
“These findings show an across the board support for maximizing clean energy and energy efficiency. We should be willing to at least consider the question of, what is the economic capacity for both wind and solar projects within the system for a Lansing energy future. If over time that answer results in lower rates and a cleaner environment then, I think the process for deciding where we will get our energy going forward would not be complete. We have an opportunity now, when retiring all of our coal generated power, to replace aged out generation with whatever makes the most sense for the people of our community.”
###
About the Sierra Club
The Sierra Club is America’s largest and most influential grassroots environmental organization, with more than 2.4 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.
November 29, 2015
Citizens for Michigan’s Energy Future Ad Shows Utilities are Behind Bad Energy Bills
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
News from Clean Energy Now
September 21, 2015
Contact: Marissa Luna, 989-798-3051, marissa@
Citizens for Michigan’s Energy
Ad seeks to mislead public to support bills that eliminate Michigan’s renewable energy, energy
MICHIGAN – Citizens for Michigan’s Ener
“We’ve known from the beginning that this campaign was designed to mislead the public and promote investments in fossil fuels instead of clean energy. This new ad shows that utility companies are the ones behind the legislative effort to protect their bottom line and block expansion of renewable energy and energy
Michigan’s utilities have obstructed efforts to further expand renewable energy and energy
“Utilities should support legislation that protects public health, saves customers money, and reduces our use of polluting fossil fuels like coal and natural gas,” said Mike Berkowitz, Legislative Director, Sierra Club Michigan Chapter. “Instead, they’re doing the opposite – funding an astro-turf campaign to support bills that gut Michigan’s clean energy policies and preclude people from producing their own energy through solar panels. In order to hold utilities accountable to making clean energy investments, which they clearly won’t do on their own, we must increase our state’s renewable energy and energy
###
Clean Energy Now is a coalition of groups that supports policies that will move Michigan beyond coal power and toward greater use of renewable energy sources and energy efficiency as a way to protect the environment and build prosperity. Follow the campaign at CleanEnergyNowMI.org.
March 13, 2015
Citizens Groups Call for More Action, Less Lip Service from Gov. Snyder
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
News from Clean Energy Now
March 13, 2015
Contact: Marissa Luna, 989-798-3051, marissa@engagemichigan.org
Citizens Groups Call for More Action, Less Lip Service from Gov. Snyder
Governor must set specific renewable energy, energy efficiency policies
WARREN – Today, Governor Rick Snyder presented his Special Message on Energy, outlining his vision for Michigan’s energy future over the next 10 years. He highlighted the need to reduce utilities over reliance on coal, increase utilities use of renewable energy, and reduce energy waste as the best way to protect public health and preserve Michigan’s Great Lakes and environment, but did not put forward any specific policy suggestions.
“Governor Snyder needs to set clear and measurable energy standards to make the potential goals that he outlined in his energy message actually happen. For over two years now, the governor has talked about his energy framework for Michigan. Now is the time for action,” said Mike Berkowitz, legislative & political director for the Sierra Club Michigan Chapter. “The reason utilities generate 9 percent of their energy from renewable sources is because of the laws passed in 2008 requiring it. We need a Renewable Energy Standard and Energy Optimization Standard in order to ensure that utilities continue decreasing energy waste and increasing clean energy generation. We didn’t get that from the governor today.”
Michigan’s current renewable energy standard requires that utilities generate 10 percent of their energy from renewable sources by the end of the year — a target that utilities are on track to meet at a lower cost than initially projected. A study released this year by the University of Michigan’s Energy Institute found that utilities are capable of reaching a 40 percent renewable energy standard by 2035.
Additionally, many of Michigan’s old, expensive and obsolete coal-fired power plants are reaching, or have already reached, the end of their life spans and will soon need to close down.
“Michigan is at a crossroads and we have a moral obligation to choose the path that protects our children and future generations from the danger and cost of environmental destruction,” said Alexis Blizman, policy director for the Ecology Center. “Our elected leaders have a choice: protect our clean air and drinking water, or allow destructive industries to sacrifice our health and our kids’ future.”
On March 3, Michigan House and Senate Democrats voiced support for increasing the state's renewable energy standard to 20 percent by 2022. Two days later, Rep. Aric Nesbitt (R-Lawton) introduced an eight-bill package that would corrupt Michigan’s renewable energy standard by classifying burning hazardous waste as renewable energy and repeal the state’s energy optimization standards for both electric and natural gas utilities.
Clearly, Governor Snyder now needs to lay out clear and defined goals. Today, as with the last three years, the governor’s speech had a lot of rhetoric but no substance,” said Eric Keller, campaigns director for Michigan Clean Water Action. “What we need is for the Governor and our elected officials to lead the way. This means first being leaders themselves and going beyond rhetoric and the bare minimum.”
###
Clean Energy Now is a coalition of groups that supports policies that will move Michigan beyond coal power and toward greater use of renewable energy sources and energy efficiency as a way to protect public health, the environment, and build prosperity. Follow the campaign at CleanEnergyNowMI.org.
March 5, 2015
House Republican Bill Package Proposes to Corrupt Michigan's Renewable Energy Standard
News from Progress Michigan
March 5, 2015
Bills would also repeal Energy Optimization standard despite documented cost savings
MICHIGAN – Today, Rep. Aric Nesbitt (R-Lawton) introduced an eight-bill package that would undermine Michigan’s renewable energy standard by classifying incinerating hazardous waste as renewable energy and repeal the state’s energy optimization standards for both electric and natural gas utilities.
Rep. Nesbitt’s announcement comes after House and Senate Democrats voiced support to double the amount of electricity that utilities are required to produce from legitimate renewable energy sources, like wind and solar.
“Michigan’s renewable energy standards have been a great success in protecting public health, our Great Lakes, and our air. Utilities are on track to reach the current 10 percent renewable energy goal by the end of this year,” said Mike Berkowitz, legislative & political director at the Sierra Club. “Now is the time for our state elected officials to increase Michigan’s renewable energy standard, not undo the progress we’ve made by attempting to disguise pollution as clean energy.”
The proposal to repeal of the energy optimization standard contradicts both Governor Snyder’s stated support for eliminating energy waste and the outstanding success of the current measures in saving ratepayers money.
“This is a nonsensical proposal that will actually hurt Michigan’s utility customers by driving up the cost of energy bills,” said Jim Dulzo, senior energy policy specialist at the Michigan Land Use Institute. “Why anyone would think this is a good idea is hard to fathom.”
“These bills are just another attempt by corporate polluters to maximize their own profits at the expense of Michiganders’ health, said Alexis Blizman, legislative & policy director at the Ecology Center. “Legislators should be prioritizing more investments in renewable energy like wind and solar that doesn’t create pollution and threaten public health, not siding with fossil fuel industries.”
“Michigan has a long history of renewable energy innovation and our representatives should continue to lead in developing clean, cutting edge renewable energy technology,” said Nic Clark, executive director of Michigan Clean Water Action.
Last month, a poll conducted by EPIC-MRA found that 60 percent of Michigan residents support increasing the state’s renewable energy standard.
The undersigned groups oppose this package of legislation:
Ecology Center, Michigan Clean Water Action, Sierra Club, Michigan Land Use Institute, Detroiters Working for Environmental Justice, and Keweenaw Renewable Energy Coalition.
###
March 4, 2015
Sierra Club Announces Intent of Sue Lansing Board of Water and Light for 3,500 Violations of Clean Air Act
LBWL has failed to act for nearly a year since Sierra Club put utility on notice
LANSING, Michigan -- At a press event today, Sierra Club officials made public a letter and notice of intent to sue Lansing Board of Water & Light (LBWL) for its more than 3,500 self-reported violations of the federal Clean Air Act at the utility’s Erickson and Eckert coal plants. LBWL has not acted to correct these violations for nearly a year since receiving the Sierra Club’s notice, posing a serious threat to the community’s health.The Clean Air Act provides for civil penalties of up to $37,500 per violation.
“The people of Lansing own this utility, and they deserve to know how it’s operating,” said Anne Woiwode, conservation director for the Sierra Club’s Michigan Chapter. “Lansing Board of Water & Light officials have known about these violations for years, but have failed to address them. It’s time to face this pollution problem and create a responsible plan to transition away from these polluting, aging coal plants.”
Air pollution from burning coal triggers respiratory problems like asthma attacks, nervous system disorders, and cardiovascular problems. Over time, exposure can lead to permanent lung damage and even premature death. The Lansing neighborhoods in close proximity to the LBWL plants experience the highest asthma hospitalization rates, according to the Ingham County Health Department.
The Sierra Club estimates that LBWL is polluting more sulfur dioxide per unit of electricity than the whole fleet of coal plants operated by DTE, ranked No 1. among the top 100 nationwide power producers for sulfur pollution per unit of electricity, according to a 2014 CERES report (the methodology of which Sierra Club used in its calculations).
“It’s staggering to think that these coal plants pollute at a rate that outpaces one of the worst corporate polluters in the country,” said Regina Strong, director of the Beyond Coal Campaign in Michigan. “The board of commissioners should choose to replace these coal-burning plants with Michigan-based renewable energy that doesn't endanger our air.”
For more information on the impacts of LBWL’s pollution and a computer modeled map showing its potential reach, click here.
###
July 30, 2014
SIERRA CLUB COMMENDS MARK SCHAUER’S JOBS PLAN
FOR
IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Wednesday,
July 30, 2013
Contact:
SIERRA CLUB COMMENDS
MARK SCHAUER’S JOBS PLAN
Proposal Calls for Substantive Clean Energy Policy
Proposal Calls for Substantive Clean Energy Policy
LANSING - Today, the Sierra
Club applauded Michigan candidate for Governor Mark Schauer’s newly proposedjobs plan. Schauer’s proposal calls for raising Michigan’s renewable energy
standard to 30 percent of state’s electricity by 2035, a move that would
protect the Great Lakes and create thousands of jobs at the same time. It also
calls for increasing Michigan’s energy optimization standard to two percent a
year to help reduce electricity costs for homeowners and businesses.
Statement
from Mike Berkowitz, Legislative Director of the Sierra Club Michigan Chapter:
“Mark
Schauer’s goal of Michigan getting 30 percent of its energy from renewable
sources and increasing energy efficiency confronts our state’s current inertia
on clean energy policy. This highlights a clear disparity between Schauer and
Governor Rick Snyder, who has yet to propose a substantive energy policy or timeline. Mark Schauer is ready to move Michigan
forward.“
Statement from Anne Woiwode, Sierra Club Michigan
Chapter Director:
“Michigan’s past is vested in dirty coal, that
much is certain. The direction Mark Schauer is offering will make sure
that Michigan is in the lead, ensuring that as we move in a cleaner direction
we also benefit from the jobs that harnessing, building and delivering clean
energy bring. We applaud Schauer’s leadership and vision on an issue so
important to Michigan’s future.”
The Sierra Club is the nation’s largest
grassroots environmental organization, with over 160,000 members and supporters
in Michigan.
###
Paid for with regulated funds by the Michigan
Sierra PAC 109 E. Grand River Ave.
Lansing, MI 48906
June 4, 2014
Michigan Required to Address Statewide Air Quality Concerns By 2015
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
June 4, 2014
Contact:
Alison Flowers, Sierra Club, 303-246-6297, alison.flowers@sierraclub.org
Michigan Required to Address Statewide Air Quality Concerns By 2015
Residents testify about cumulative health impacts of pollution at state hearing
LANSING, Mich. -- The Michigan Department of Environmental Quality (MDEQ) is submitting a new plan to the EPA that must ensure that air pollution does not exceed levels established to protect public health. The state plan, due by April 2015, must prevent unhealthy levels of key dangerous pollutants -- sulfur dioxide, particulate matter, and ground-level ozone (smog) -- that contribute to diseases like asthma. At least eight counties in Michigan have levels of ozone and sulfur dioxide pollution above the federal air quality standards.
MDEQ is proposing to maintain the status quo, rather than drafting requirements that would end pollution violations by aging coal-fired plants, which are responsible for a significant portion of the emissions. More than 900 petitioners have called on MDEQ to create strong safeguards.
“There is something terribly wrong when the state of Michigan allows any of its counties to become sacrifice zones for pollution, leaving families to suffer the chronic health effects,” said Sierra Club Executive Director Michael Brune, while in Detroit for a conference. “Heavy industrial polluters like DTE Energy should not be given a free pass to violate our federal air quality standards that were created to protect residents.”
The EPA has already designated a portion of Wayne County as failing to meet the air quality standard for sulfur dioxide. Exposure to sulfur dioxide in even very short time periods—such as five minutes—can have significant health impacts to human health, including causing decrements in lung function, aggravation of asthma, and respiratory and cardiovascular morbidity. Sulfur dioxide exposure can also aggravate existing heart disease, leading to increased hospitalizations and premature deaths. Asthmatics, children and the elderly are especially at risk from such pollution.
Wayne County has the highest number of pediatric asthma cases in Michigan, coupled with the highest state population living in poverty, according to a 2014 American Lung Association report. The City of Detroit and nearby downriver communities are, combined, a heavily polluted area deemed the “Epicenter of Asthma Burden” by the Michigan Department of Community Health.
According to the NAACP, DTE -- the utility that owns and operates three of Wayne County’s top sources of sulfur dioxide air pollution (DTE’s River Rouge plant, Trenton Channel plant and EES Coke at U.S. Steel) -- is one of the worst environmental justice offenders based on its plants’ impacts on low-income communities. These plants are responsible for at least 85 percent of all sulfur dioxide emissions in Wayne County.
Other Michigan counties are at risk of exceeding the same sulfur dioxide standard, including St. Clair, Macomb, Eaton, Clinton, Ingham, Ottawa, Monroe, and Marquette Counties.
The public hearing to address the state’s plan will be held today, Wednesday, June 4, at Constitution Hall (William Ford Conference Room, 2nd Floor) at 525 W. Allegan St. in Lansing.
###
January 9, 2014
Answers to Questions Raised about Coal Plant Permits Included in Governor Snyder Scorecard
January 9, 2014
Questions have been raised about the inclusion of Governor Snyder’s decision to issue permits for two proposed coal plants within his first months in office in Sierra Club’s Scorecard [1]evaluating Governor Snyder’s environmental record during his first term. Sierra Club Michigan Chapter Director Anne Woiwode responds to these questions with the below summary and documentation on these issues, and she can be reached at anne.woiwode@sierraclub.org, at 517-484-2372 x 11 or by cell phone as 517-974-2112.
Governor Snyder’s decision to approve permits for the Holland and Rogers City coal plants reversed then existing state policy that advanced cleaner alternatives to coal and reflects the governor’s lack of commitment to clean energy. Approving permits for coal plants that would emit enormous amounts of carbon dioxide contributing to climate disruption, expel toxic metals like mercury, and directly contribute to Michiganders developing respiratory illnesses from particulate matter emissions is the wrong decision for the people of Michigan and our environment.
Within a month of taking office, Governor Snyder’s Administration began abandoning a process developed under the Granholm Administration that sought to assure that the people of Michigan’s interests were protected by considering whether proposed coal fired power plants were needed and whether there were other alternatives that were less polluting. Governor Snyder’s reversal of decisions to deny permits to two coal fired power plant proposals both delayed Michigan’s move toward cleaner energy sources and led to the ratepayers of each of those facilities carrying the costs of the continued investment in developing those plants.
On February 3, 2009, Governor Jennifer Granholm issued Executive Directive 2009-2[2], based on both the Michigan Environmental Protection Act and on the federal Clean Air Act, that directed the Michigan Department of Environmental Quality, in cooperation with the staff of the Michigan Public Service Commission, to review proposed coal fired power plants that were applying for air permits to install (PTI) for whether the power they would produce was needed, and whether there were alternatives available that would meet this need with less pollution.
Granholm’s action reflected concerns about pollution from new coal power plants (including mercury, acid rain precursors, ozone-causing chemicals and the greenhouse gas carbon dioxide) as well as concerns that investing in massive, polluting coal power plants instead of alternative cleaner technologies would cost ratepayers an excessive amount of money and would divert funding from cleaner technologies, including renewable power and energy efficiency measures.
The staff of the Michigan Public Service Commission reviewed three proposed plants[3]: Consumers Energy’s proposed expansion of the Karn Weadock coal plant in Essexville; Wolverine Power Supply Cooperative’s coal plant proposed for Rogers City; and the City of Holland’s proposed expansion of the James DeYoung plant. The MPSC staff concluded that in the case of Consumers Energy’s proposal, the plant could only be justified if Consumers committed to closing existing coal fired plants. Consumers did proceed with the proposed plant and committed to closing multiple existing coal plants in exchange, but ultimately the utility concluded it could not justify proceeding with building an expanded coal fired power plant[4]. Later, Consumers sought permission from the MPSC to charge its customers $22 million to cover the costs of the failed power plant proposal[5].
In the MPSC staff reports to the Michigan Department of Environmental Quality on both the proposed Wolverine plant and the proposed Holland plant expansion, the agency staff concluded that neither plant was needed to meet power needs of their utilities and that there were available alternatives that would meet the needs in the future. MDEQ’s decisions to deny each of these permits was based on the findings of these reports[6] and cited relevant state and federal law. Litigation was brought by each utility in the respective Circuit Courts in their counties, which reached significantly different conclusions. The Ottawa County court in December of 2010 reversed the Holland permit denial based on the MDEQ’s decision to base the denial on the lack of need for the plant. In January 2011, the Missaukee County court in the Wolverine case concluded that the MDEQ had failed to adequately document their decision in their permit denial letter, even though the full record of the permit consideration provided extensive documentation. The court remanded the permit to the MDEQ allowing them to further document their decision.
In January 2011, Governor Snyder took office, and the new Administration declined to effectively defend the permit denial decisions and ultimately issued both permits. Last December, both proposed plants were cancelled.
ATTACHMENT (note: this document is no longer available on the State of Michigan’s website)
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(To Print: use your browser's print function)
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Release Date: February 03, 2009
Last Update: February 03, 2009
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EXECUTIVE DIRECTIVE No. 2009 - 2
| |
Consideration of Feasible and Prudent Alternatives in the Processing of Air Permit Applications from Coal-Fired Power Plants
WHEREAS, Section 1 of Article V of the Michigan Constitution of 1963 vests the executive power of the State ofMichigan in the Governor;
WHEREAS, under Section 8 of Article V of the Michigan Constitution of 1963, each principal department of state government is under the supervision of the Governor unless otherwise provided by the Constitution;
WHEREAS, under Section 8 of Article V of the Michigan Constitution of 1963, the Governor is responsible to take care that the laws be faithfully executed;
WHEREAS, under Section 52 of Article IV of the Michigan Constitution of 1963, the conservation and development of the natural resources of this state are matters of paramount public concern in the interest of the health, safety, and general welfare of the people;
WHEREAS, under Section 51 of Article IV of the Michigan Constitution of 1963, the public health and general welfare of the people of the state are matters of primary public concern;
WHEREAS, Part 17 of the Natural Resources and Environmental Protection Act, 1994 PA 451, MCL 324.1701 to 324.1706, provides in part that "[i]n administrative, licensing, or other proceedings, and in any judicial review of such a proceeding, the alleged pollution, impairment, or destruction of the air, water, or other natural resources, or the public trust in these resources, shall be determined, and conduct shall not be authorized or approved that has or is likely to have such an effect if there is a feasible and prudent alternative consistent with the reasonable requirements of the public health, safety, and welfare";
WHEREAS, Part 17 of the National Resources and Environmental Protection Act is supplemental to existing administrative and regulatory procedures provided by law;
WHEREAS, under Part 55 of the National Resources and Environmental Protection Act, 1994 PA 451, MCL 324.5501 to 324.5542, and Executive Order 1995-18, MCL 324.99903, the Department of Environmental Quality has the authority to grant permits for the construction and operation of sources of air emissions under the federal Clean Air Act, 42 USC 7401 to 7671q;
WHEREAS, Section 5541 of the Natural Resources and Environmental Protection Act, 1994 PA 451, MCL 324.5541, provides that Part 55 of the Act "does not repeal any of the laws relating to air pollution which are not by this part expressly repealed. This part is ancillary to and supplements the laws now in force, except as they may be in direct conflict with this part";
WHEREAS, under Section 165(a)(2) of the federal Clean Air Act, 42 USC 7475(a)(2), the Department of Environmental Quality has the discretion to consider alternatives to proposed sources of air emissions when determining whether or not to grant an air permit to that source;
WHEREAS, coal-fired electricity generating plants annually emit thousands of tons of air emissions, including, but not limited to, greenhouse gases, that threaten the air, water, and other natural resources of Michigan and the health, safety, and general welfare of Michigan residents;
WHEREAS, circumstances have changed since the 21st Century Energy Plan, issued pursuant to Executive Directive 2006-2, projected that Michigan's total electric generation requirements would grow at 1.3% annually until 2025, as evidenced by the Michigan Public Service Commission's projection in its Winter 2008/2009 Energy Appraisal that electricity sales decreased 1.4% in Michigan in 2008;
WHEREAS, the enactment of the Clean, Renewable, and Efficient Energy Act, 2008 PA 295, MCL 460.1001 to 460.1195, has reduced the need for additional coal-fired electricity generating plants in Michigan by providing for the use of energy efficiency and renewable energy to meet future electricity needs in this state, reducing dependence on imported fossil fuels such as coal;
NOW, THEREFORE, I, Jennifer M. Granholm, Governor of the State of Michigan, by virtue of the power and authority vested in the Governor by the Michigan Constitution of 1963 and Michigan law, direct:
A. Before issuing a permit to install under Part 55 of the National Resources and Environmental Protection Act, 1994 PA 451, MCL 324.5501 to 324.5542, for the construction of a new coal-fired electricity generating plant, the Department of Environmental Quality shall determine whether there is a feasible and prudent alternative consistent with the reasonable requirements of the public health, safety, and welfare that would better protect the air, water, and other natural resources of this state from pollution than the proposed coal-fired electricity generating plant.
B. Before making the determination required by Paragraph A, the Department shall first determine whether a reasonable electricity generation need exists in this state that would be served by the proposed coal-fired electricity generating plant. If a reasonable electricity generation need exists in this state, the Department shall estimate the extent of the reasonable electricity generation need.
C. The Department shall next consider alternative methods of meeting the reasonable electricity generation need, including, but not limited to, each of the following:
D. If the Department determines that a feasible and prudent alternative to the construction of a new proposed coal-fired electricity generating plant exists consistent with the reasonable requirements of the public health, safety, and welfare that would better protect the air, water, and other natural resources of this state than the proposed coal-fired electricity generating plant, the Department shall not issue a permit to install.
E. The Michigan Public Service Commission shall provide technical assistance to the Department in making determinations required by this Directive.
F. All departments, committees, commissioners, or officers of the executive branch of this state shall give to the Department of Environmental Quality any necessary assistance required by the Department in the performance of the duties of this Directive, so far as is compatible with its, his, or her duties. Free access shall also be given to any books, records, or documents in its, his, or her custody, relating to matters within the scope of inquiry, study, or review of the Department under this Directive.
This Directive is effective immediately.
Given under my hand this 3rd day of February in the year of our Lord, two thousand and nine.
____________________________________
JENNIFER M. GRANHOLM
GOVERNOR
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Copyright © 2009 State of Michigan
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[1] Find the Scorecard here: http://michigan.sierraclub.org/politics/articles/SnyderScorecard.html
[2] Under the Snyder Administration, all of Governor Granholm’s Executive Directives have been removed from the State of Michigan’s website. An analysis of Executive Directive 2009-2 is found on the Great Lakes Environmental Law Center website here and the full Executive Directive is included at the end of this memo http://www.greatlakeslaw.org/blog/2009/02/michigan-governor-puts-the-brakes-on-new-coal-plants.html
[3] A report was prepared for each proposal:
the Consumers Energy proposal report is here http://efile.mpsc.state.mi.us/efile/docs/15996/0190.pdf;
the Wolverine proposal report is here http://efile.mpsc.state.mi.us/efile/docs/16000/0144.pdf;
and the Holland proposal report is here http://efile.mpsc.state.mi.us/efile/docs/16077/0077.pdf.
[4]“Consumers Energy's statement on decision not to build coal-fired plant,” MLive, 12/2/11 http://www.mlive.com/business/jackson-lansing/index.ssf/2011/12/consumers_energy_releases_stat.html
[5]“Consumers Energy wants customers to pay $22 million for failed coal-fired plant, but many readers don't want to pay”, MLive, 12/8/11
http://www.mlive.com/business/jackson-lansing/index.ssf/2011/12/several_readers_upset_about_co.html
[6] MDEQ letter denying Wolverine Power Supply Cooperative permit, May 2010 http://www.deq.state.mi.us/aps/downloads/permits/pubnotice/317-07/DenialLtr.pdf
MDEQ letter denying Holland Board of Public Works permit, August 2010
http://www.deq.state.mi.us/aps/downloads/permits/PubNotice/25-07/25-07DenialLtr.pdf
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