Easy Actions You Can Take NOW!

No More Coal! - Tool Kit
• Introduction
• Why Should You Care?
• Frequently Asked Questions
• Easy Actions to Take Right Now
• Timeline & Process of Proposal
• Back to Alliant Main Page

• May 15th - NO MORE COAL rally to oppose Alliant's dirty coal plants!
• Before June 27, 2008 tell the Public Service Commission you want clean energy technologies for Wisconsin!
• Sign the Petition: Alliant Energy's Proposed Coal Plant is a BAD INVESTMENT for Wisconsin's Environment!
• Write a letter to the editor of your newspaper
• Host a global warming presentation by Clean Wisconsin
• Join Clean Wisconsin's Email Action Alert System
• Become a Clean Wisconsin member

May 15th - NO MORE COAL Rally to oppose Alliant's dirty coal plants!

Join Clean Wisconsin in a protest at Alliant's Shareholder Meeting.
Alliant Energy Expo Center, Madison (John Nolen and Rimrock Road)
Thursday May 15th - 12:15pm
Rain or shine.

Alliant Energy has proposed to build two old-technology coal plants in Wisconsin and Iowa. Coal is a bad investment in today's shaky economy. The rising costs of construction materials, the rising cost of coal and the costs of future global warming regulations are causing the price of coal plants to sky-rocket. All of these inflated prices will be passed along to YOU and other Wisconsin's energy users. Alliant's coal plants will pollute our air, poison our water and contribute to global warming for decades to come. Why should WE pay for Alliant's pollution?

* ATTENTION STUDENTS* Meet at the Memorial Union at 11:45am to join the bike parade to the rally.

For more information on how you can volunteer to help with the rally, please contact Ryan Schryver at rschryver@CleanWisconsin.org or call (608) 251-7020 extension 25.

Write a letter to the editor of your newspaper - Start with the basics
Everyone, from the local newspaper reporter to the governor of the state, wants to know what you think on the issues. A letter to the editor is a great advocacy tool because it can spark local or regional discussion and action. Well-organized letters are more likely to get published. The following are a couple of tips for writing a successful letter to the editor, along with the e-mail addresses of some of Wisconsin's daily newspapers.

• Be timely, focused and concise.
  Most Wisconsin newspapers limit letters to 200 words or less, and a short, pointed letter is more likely to be printed and read. Editors will want letters discussing recent news or events.
• Include specific references and facts.
  Let the editor know what article or matter you are referring to. Examples:
• This newspaper's lack of coverage on Alliant Energy's proposal for a new dirty old coal plant is frustrating.
• I disagree with Jack Smack's article, "We need more coal."
• I am impressed with the governor's commitment to taking action to stop global warming and meet greenhouse gas reduction goals.
• Be logically organized and compelling.
• Write about your unique perspective, supporting it with facts and also using aspects of the issue that haven't been addressed yet.
• "I've read that Wall Street investors are preferring to invest in solar and wind farms over coal plants these days, because the uncertainly of a carbon tax on pollution could greatly reduce their return and raise prices for consumers like me. Given this, why is Alliant proposing a dirty old coal plant for Wisconsin?"
• Localize the issue, articulating how the reader is affected.
• "Even though our area is not serviced by Alliant Energy, their outdated and dirty coal plant proposal affects EVERYONE in Wisconsin."
• Try to be witty or humorous, staying within the bounds of good taste.
• Type and sign your letter, including your full address and phone number.
  Editors will want to verify that you actually wrote the letter.
• Be choosy about where you send your letter.
  Small newspapers have less competition for letters and are more likely to print one; bigger newspapers are more competitive for printing letters, but get more readership
• If at first you don't succeed…remember another Napoleon quote, "Victory belongs to the most persevering."
  Newspapers don't always have room for all letters. If they don't accept yours, ask a friend to submit it, try again, or try a different newspaper.
• Below are some of Wisconsin's daily papers and routes to submit letters (either by email or linking to their site and submitting the letter on a form):

Host a global warming presentation by Clean Wisconsin
Clean Wisconsin's Ryan Schryver has been trained by former Vice President and Nobel Peace Prize recipient Al Gore to give global warming presentations. These presentations have helped thousands of Wisconsinites understand the local effects of climate change and identify ways we can work together to reduce our global warming pollution.

If you are interested in hosting a presentation in your community please contact Ryan Schryver at rschryver@cleanwisconsin.org or call (608) 251-7020, extension 25.

Join Clean Wisconsin's Email Action Alert System
Clean Wisconsin issues timely emails alerting you to important issues affecting Wisconsin's clean water, clean air and clean energy. Many times we'll ask you to sign a letter either supporting or opposing certain legislation, laws, or actions. Each email provides you with the details to help understand the issue. If you want to receive timely updates on the Alliant case as well as others affecting Wisconsin, click here to sign up.