Beyond Coal Minnesota

Coal provides about 60% of Minnesota's electricity, and it is our dirtiest energy source, causing asthma and other health problems, polluting our lakes and rivers with mercury, and contributing to global warming.  Continuing our dependence on coal prevents us from making the changes we need to bring about a clean, secure energy future.

COMMUNITIES BEYOND COAL
Sierra Club's activists, volunteers, organizers, and allies joined forces to block the proposed expansion of the Big Stone coal plant near Minnesota's western border. After a battle of more than three years, the project was finally scrapped, making it unlikely that another coal-fired plant will be built in Minnesota anytime soon. *
 
With this major victory under our belt, the Sierra Club continues its work to prevent the building of new coal plants and the "resurrection" of coal at power plants that previously phased it out--like the New Ulm power plant, which, after retiring coal in the 1990s, is now considering switching back. 
 
While Sierra Club members stand at the forefront of the fight to stop this step backward, we also work to move Minnesota forward into a clean energy future by finding opportunities to transition or retire existing coal plants.
 
SUPPORT STRONG EPA SAFEGUARDS TO PROTECT MINNESOTA'S HEALTH
Burning coal causes pollution that creates serious, life-threatening health problems, inflicting children with asthma, stifling childhood development, and cutting short thousands of lives. Fortunately, the Environmental Protection Agency exists to enforce much needed safeguards that can stop polluters from making us sick.  We are working to demonstrate support from Minnesotans for strong safeguards to protect public health.

CAMPUSES BEYOND COAL
The Sierra Club is working with students at the University of Minnesota Twin Cities and the College of Saint Benedict/Saint John's University to create a coal-free future for their campuses.
 
UMTC operates the last coal-fired power plant in Minneapolis. Since kicking off its efforts in 2009, UMTC Campus Beyond Coal has built support among students, staff, and community organizations, and continues to engage in a dialogue with UMTC campus and community leaders about the importance of moving away from coal. 

 
CLEAN AIR AND RENEWABLE ENERGY COMMITTEE
The Sierra Club North Star Chapter's Clean Air and Renewable Energy (CARE) Committee is a group of volunteers of all experience levels who are dedicated to achieving better air quality, addressing global warming, and building a clean, renewable energy future beyond coal in Minnesota. The committee meets on the 4th Tuesday of each month at the Sierra Club Office (2327 E Franklin Ave., Minneapolis, MN 55406)