Clean Energy Now
Cleaner Air — Purer Water — Safer Food — Lower Utility Rates — More Jobs in Michigan

Michigan needs safe, reliable, renewable energy. Our future and our health depend on it! “Michigan has the third-best 'wind-map' in the country, making it a great place to develop a wind energy industry.” Governor Granholm

Consumers Energy and Wolverine Power Supply File Alternative Analysis for proposed Coal Plants

We need you to submit comments now to say NO to Consumers Energy and Wolverine Power Supply’s proposed coal fired power plants

We urge Michiganders to make written comments—Telling Consumers Energy  and Wolverine Power Supply that we believe that the process must also include public hearings. Also, the state should not allow utilities to amend their submissions during the comment period—a practice that undermines the relevance of already-submitted written comments.

We need you to tell the Public Service Commission regulatory officials and the Department of Environmental Quality  the flaws in the company’s Alternative Analysis submission concerning the need, feasibility, and prudence of building new coal plants, and document how employing energy efficiency and renewable energy will simultaneously boost job growth in Michigan, wean the state off of dirty coal, and protect the public health and the resources of the Great Lakes State.

There is no need for new coal in our foreseeable future and that efficiency measures can meet our energy demands for decades, save our citizens’ precious energy dollars in these very difficult times, and create tens of thousands of new, green jobs to stimulate immediate and long-term economic health across Michigan.  We need you to comment on it to the PSC and DEQ on Consumers Energy and Wolverine Power Supply.  TAKE ACTION!

Consumers Energy - Reference Case No. U-15996, should be consistent with provisions of Order in Case No. 15958, and must be received by 5 p.m. on July 5, 2009. All information submitted to the Commission in this matter will become public information, available on the Commission's Web site, and subject to disclosure.  Comments may be e-mailed to mpscedockets@michigan.gov. | COMMENT NOW

Wolverine Power Supply - Reference Case No. U-16000, should be consistent with provisions of Order in Case No. U-15958, and must be received by 5 p.m. on July 9. All information submitted to the Commission in this matter will become public information, available on the Commissions Web site, and subject to disclosure. Comments may be e-mailed to mpscedockets@michigan.gov. | COMMENT NOW

Who wouldn't want clean energy and clean air as our legacy? Apparently special interests including coal and energy lobbyists in Michigan and beyond feel that investor profits are more important that a clean safe environment, and reasonable utility rates for consumers and small businesses.

We are currently in the midst of one of the worst financial crisis the United States has ever known. This crises occurred due to one reason—greed. The financial industry will one day stabilize, but if we allow coal fueled power plants to continue to be built, the destruction to the ecological systems that support human life will be permanent and devastating beyond comprehension.

Every year 24,000 people die prematurely because of pollution from coal-fired power plants, and these numbers are climbing. Every year 38,000 heart attacks occur because of pollution from coal-fired power plants. Every year 12,000 hospital admissions and 550,000 people suffering asthma attacks result from power plant pollution. Every year, coal-fired power plants release 48 tons of mercury nationwide. Coal fueled power plants release over 40% of total U.S. C02 emissions, a primary contributor to global warming! Is this the lifestyle you want to live? Is this the legacy you wish upon the generations to come? The cost of coal in health, lives, human suffering, and environmental degradation is unreasonably high; especially when clean safe energy production is now viable.

Why then are we still considering the use of a dirty 18th. century fuel for 21st century energy production in Michigan? A big part of the answer reveals itself if you "follow the money." The energy industry is well known for their exorbitant wages, Golden Parachute's for retired and fired executives, and putting corporate greed first. This system doesn't make very much sense if you are a consumer struggling to pay your utility bills.

Coal fueled power plants are built to operate for fifty-years. That is fifty-years of tremendous profit for the people who supply the coal and infrastructure. Wealthy executives just don't seem to warm up to the idea of wind and solar power, because these systems require no fuel to power them—the fuel is free.

Wind and solar equipment production and installation will create real jobs for people in Michigan communities where wind power and solar energy is embraced. You can learn more about this by visiting one of our Clean Energy Now partners. (Click the Jobs and Energy button).

The true cost of coal is not worth the price paid! We urge you to support the emerging green economy—Support Clean Energy Now. You can start right now by sharing your opinion with energy production companies and policy makers.

The Michigan Department of Environmental Quality need to know that you care about our environment, health, real jobs, the Michigan economy, and our future!

A letter from Craig Graveratte
Environmental Response Program Specialist Saginaw Chippewa Indian Tribe
I am taking this opportunity to let you know about an environmental issue being introduced to our beautiful state. There are 8 proposed coal plants being considered for implementation throughout the Lower Peninsula. These are considered "Clean Coal" plants, but we (Saginaw Chippewa Indian Tribe) have done our research and disagree with the cleanliness of the emissions and the impacts of the operations. In Central Michigan we are at ground zero with 4 proposed plants within a 75 mile radius around us. To learn more about 'clean coal' visit the following link: www.cleanenergynowmi.org , also you can click on the "Take Action Now" to send a letter. The Saginaw Chippewa Indian Tribe has grave concerns regarding the plans for 8 proposed coal fired power plants in the state of Michigan and their impact on the health, security and the general welfare of the Tribal Membership and Michigan Citizens.