Dear Michigan Recycling Coalition Members, 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: www.sagchip.org/planning/images/flashpaper/2008-0903-ProposedMICoalPlants-map.swf 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. http://mlui.org/blogs/?p=99 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 We are deeply concerned with the unavoidable emissions of carbon dioxide, greenhouse gases, airborne lead, Mercury, particulate matter, nitrogen oxides, sulfur dioxides, and their direct link to ground level ozone or smog, acid rain, and their proven hazardous health effects and relationship to chronic lung diseases such as asthma and emphysema. In realizing the impacts that the millions of tons of hazardous coal fired power plant combustion waste that will be generated and disposed of in Michigan landfills or the use of Carbon Capture and Storage (CCS) that are a threat to the surface and ground waters of our great state. In addition to the impacts on surface and ground waters, the Saginaw Chippewa Indian Tribe realizes the additional environmental impacts of said water discharge; and costly burdens on the infrastructure (roads, bridges, fire protection) on the communities without adequate compensation. With such an impact on the communities and environment in and around proposed sites for coal fired power plants will be detrimental to the Tribe and States effort to recruit and retain businesses, reduce the number of green jobs for citizens, and will adversely impact existing residential and commercial property values. The Saginaw Chippewa Indian Tribe has passed a resolution in respect to these issues, and with the current economic crisis does it make sense to ship over $24 Billion annually out of the state when we could be putting this money into highly sought renewable energy manufacturing? Do we have manufacturers in need of employment? Why are we not manufacturing the highly demanded components for wind turbines? Why are we NOT moving forward with new, and instead concentrating on the old, dirty methods of producing energy. Do we need to invest in more bad business? Is the energy industry going to be the next asking for a handout? Please follow this link to learn how you can make a difference and have your voice heard. The Saginaw Chippewa Indian Tribe urges Governor Granholm and her administration to rescind or deny air permits and water permits for all new coal fired power plants in the best interest of the health and welfare of Tribal and Michigan citizens. Even our own Governor Granholm stated "Michigan needs affordable, safe, reliable, renewable energy. Our future and our health depends on it! "Michigan has the third-best 'wind-map' in the country, making it a great place to develop a wind energy industry." Please view the following links to learn more about this important information:
Thank you for your time and consideration on this paradigm shift issue. Sincerely, Environmental Response Program Specialist (989)
775-4081 Office Reduce, Reuse, Recycle and Respect Mother Earth and her environmental resources before printing this e-mail. |