Federal EPA Puts Brakes on MI Coal Plants, CO2 Pollution

Michigan should follow EPA decision and require carbon dioxide limits from new coal plants

LANSING – Clean Energy Now today urged the State of Michigan to stop air permits for coal plants in Michigan following the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency ruling that carbon dioxide pollution must be factored into the permitting process to protect public health, a move a move that should slam the brakes on Michigan's looming coal rush.

By stopping all coal plant permits, Michigan can require the coal industry to fully address carbon dioxide pollution and ways to protect the economy and public health before more plants can be built. Michigan faces the construction of up to eight additional coal plants, more than any other state.

"The decision means that the coal industry will now have to live up to its clean coal rhetoric in Michigan and across the nation," said Anne Woiwode, State Director of the Michigan Sierra Club. "By slamming the brakes on new coal plants until we protect against dangerous global warming pollution, we can build a 21st century energy economy, create good-paying jobs and move Michigan forward."

Last week, an EPA panel rejected a federal permit for a dirty coal plant in Utah because the agency had no valid reason for not regulating carbon dioxide pollution. Because the decision raised concerns over the plant's carbon dioxide emissions, it puts the 100 coal plant proposals across the nation into question. The EPA decision also opens the door for future protections against the pollutants released from dirty coal plants. Carbon dioxide pollution from coal plants is one of the biggest contributors to global warming in the United States, producing almost 40 percent of the nation's greenhouse gas emissions.  Experts, including the National Council of State Legislatures (NCSL) say global warming is negatively impacting the Great Lakes. 

The decision should halt virtually all new coal plant development until EPA decides how to address global warming pollution from coal plants—opening the door for the development of clean, renewable energy like wind and solar.  The groups warned that ignoring the decision and rushing through the permits could result in the permits getting reversed under the same reasoning applied in the EPA decision.

 "This ruling affirms that carbon dioxide is a dangerous pollutant and every new plant should have a limit on the dangerous gases it releases into our air," said Cyndi Roper, Executive Director of Michigan Clean Water Action. "The EPA's groundbreaking action can open the door of opportunity for Michigan to repower, refuel and rebuild America by investing in clean energy technologies that will create jobs, protect our health and safeguard our quality of life."

Economic studies have indicated that investing in energy efficiency and alternative energy production would create many more Michigan jobs as building all of the eight coal plants currently proposed. According to studies by the Renewable Energy Policy Project and the American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy, Michigan could create 46,000 new jobs by investing in renewable energy and efficiency.

For ways to get involved, go to progressmichigan.org