Moving Wisconsin Beyond Coal
We are at a turning point in Wisconsin's energy future:
Our oldest, dirtiest, least efficient coal plants require expensive upgrades to comply with current and pending regulations. Meanwhile, health advisories plague our air and our waterways, our economy struggles to overcome recession, and our people need good jobs.
Rather than sinking money into outdated, filthy technology, we can choose to move beyond coal and invest cleaner, safer technologies that will help us drastically reduce global warming, soot, smog, and mercury pollution while creating clean, green, family supporting jobs and invigorate our economy.
Now is the time to choose the path beyond coal - before we send good money after bad, trying to patch up antiquated plants that pollute our air and water. Instead, we can invest in Wisconsin businesses that produce energy efficient equipment that helps us do more with less. We can create jobs right here in Wisconsin manufacturing and installing renewable energy technologies like wind and solar. We can make Wisconsin a leader in the economic development of a cleaner, greener, energy future.
Toxic Coal Ash-Regulations Needed Now!
Great News!! EPA to regulate coal ash!
The Environmental Protection Agency is currently considering rules under EPA-HQ-RCRA-2009-0640 to address the serious problems posed by toxic ash left from coal burning. They are considering two options:
- Continue to allow states to regulate coal ash, leaving regions with inadequate and dangerous regulations, or
- The EPA would have strict federal regulations on coal ash.
We need these strong rules. Coal ash contains toxic heavy metals, such as arsenic, mercury and lead; however, it is regulated like household garbage. These metals seep into our streams, lakes, and groundwater, affecting wild-life, entire eco-systems, and contaminate drinking water. This increases the risk of cancer, with rates as high as 1 in 50, according to the EPA.
Take Action to speak out today and urge the EPA to stand up to industry pressure and quickly issue strong, federally enforceable safeguards to protect communities from toxic coal ash. Continuing to ignore scientific and safety concerns comes at a high cost to our families, communities and economy.
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