Media Release
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Michigan’s new common sense plan for our energy future takes the next step

LANSING, MI – Consumers Energy submitted today information about the need for and feasibility of its proposed coal plant to the Michigan Public Service Commission (MPSC). The process for permitting the construction of new coal plants changed last February after the Governor’s State of the State address calling for Michigan to become a leader in new job creation through development of clean, alternative sources of energy.

Granholm issued an executive directive clearly stating that new coal plants would have to prove that they are needed and that they are the best alternative available before completing the permitting process. This process is the first of it’s kind in the nation and is applauded by the a variety of groups concerned with public health issues and Michigan’s CLEAN ENERGY NOW coalition.

Michigan’s CLEAN ENERGY NOW coalition welcomes the opportunity it offers the public to learn more about and comment on the economic and environmental wisdom of moving toward a jobs-rich, clean-energy economy while Michigan is clearly in a continued state of declining energy demand.

CLEAN ENERGY NOW is confident that fair and open MPSC and DEQ comment processes will confirm that 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.

CLEAN ENERGY NOW commends the governor for invoking common-sense laws requiring a closer look at proposed coal plants—and strongly urges Michiganders to make written comments—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.

CLEAN ENERGY NOW will be pointing out to regulatory officials and Michiganders the flaws in the company’s 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.

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http://cleanenergynowmi.org/

CLEAN ENERGY NOW is a diverse group of concerned Michigan individuals and organizations working together to bring economic and environmental health to the Great Lakes State…

Consideration of Feasible and Prudent Alternatives in the Processing of Air Permit Applications from Coal-Fired Power Plants

http://www.michigan.gov/gov/0,1607,7-168-36898-208125--,00.html