Clean Wisconsin members: Helping to shape the debate around Alliant's proposed coal plant

Ryan Schryver

In February and March, Clean Wisconsin members from around the state descended on public information meetings in Cassville and Portage to set the tone and send a loud and clear message to the Public Service Commission: NO MORE COAL!

On December 19th, the Wisconsin Public Service Commission (PSC) began the year long process of considering Alliant Energy's application to build a new 300 megawatt coal plant in Cassville, Wisconsin. In the application Alliant Energy also identified an alternative site for the project near Portage, Wisconsin.

When considering applications for new coal plants various state agencies work together to create an Environmental Impact Statement (EIS).  The EIS is designed to look at the impacts the construction and operation of the coal plant will have on the environment and guide the PSC in their decision to approve or reject Alliant's application.  In order to ensure all of the environmental impacts of this project will be considered in the final decision, it was critical that the EIS be as strong and thorough as possible. Clean Wisconsin members responded to this opportunity in a big way, with car pools and bus loads of people showing up at the meetings ensuring all of the global warming, mercury and air pollutants are adequately addressed in the EIS.

The message our members sent was clear; Wisconsin is over dependant on dirty coal-fired power plants.  Coal plants are already the leading source of global warming, mercury and air pollution in Wisconsin and building a new coal plant will only make these problems worse.  Wisconsin needs to be investing in clean, safe and affordable renewable energy options to meet our future energy needs instead of perpetuating our dependence on dirty coal.

The dedication and hard work of our members continues to improve the odds of winning the case at the PSC. Please visit www.CleanWisconsin.org to find out how you can continue to help defeat Alliant's proposed coal plant and move Wisconsin towards a clean energy future!