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Consumers Energy Cancels Plans for Coal Plant in Bay City, Michigan
Case Updates:
December 5, 2011
In a huge coal victory, Consumers Energy has officially abandoned plans to build its proposed $2 billion, 830-megawatt coal-fired power plant in Bay City, Michigan. Consumers deferred construction of the plant back in May 2010, and this latest announcement is the final death knell for the project.
Sierra Club and its allies fought this project for years, both on the ground and in the courts. The Club engaged in every step of the permitting process; most recently challenging the proposed extension of the plant’s construction permit in state court with Natural Resources Defense Council. The Club’s efforts to stop this coal plant were part of a larger grassroots campaign to move Michigan beyond coal and transition the state to a clean energy economy. Michigan, once home to eight new coal plant proposals, now only has two newly proposed coal plant projects that remain active. Through advocacy and education, the Club and its allies have demonstrated that coal-fired power is dirty and unnecessary, and cheaper, cleaner alternatives are readily available to meet future energy needs.
Consumers Energy has also announced plans to mothball seven of its older, existing coal-fired units around the state by January 1, 2015, including units at the Karn-Weadock coal plant. Consumers has determined that it is no longer economical to operate these aging, dirty coal plants. The proposed coal plant would have been built alongside the existing Karn-Weadock plant in Essexville.
Details and Documents:
Sierra Club Applauds Abandonment of Proposed Bay City Coal Plant
December 2, 2011, Sierra Club Press Release
News of Bay City Coal Plant Death Sparks Reaction
December 2, 2011, NRDC Press Release
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See other "Stopping the Coal Rush" cases.